Abstract: Carbon fiber composites containing lignin carbon fibers are described. The lignin carbon fibers can be derived from organosolv lignin obtained from single source lignocellulosic feedstocks or combinations of such feedstocks or lignin obtained via other pulping or extraction methods. Also described are methods of preparing the carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic sensors formed by covering the fibers with tubing are provided. The tubing including responsive materials formulated or configured to, responsive to exposure to one of a target chemical species and a target radiation particle, change a relative size and generate a localized effect on or in the optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods for assessing fiber and bundle orientations and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials using Thermal Digital Image Correlation (TDIC) are disclosed. In some examples, the method comprises exposing the composite material to a temperature change; imaging the composite material at a plurality of time points before, during and/or after the temperature change; and assessing the characteristic of the composite material based on the imaging. In others, temperature changes naturally occur during the cooling process after manufacturing can be employed for this method such as compression molding process, injection molding process, resin transfer molding processes and its variants.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic chemical and radiation sensors formed by coating the fibers with certain types of response materials are provided. For distributed chemical sensors, the coatings are reactive with the targets; the heat absorbed or released during a reaction will cause a local temperature change on the fiber. For distributed radiation sensors, coating a fiber with a scintillator enhances sensitivity toward thermal neutrons, for example, by injecting light into the fiber. The luminescent components in these materials are taken from conjugated polymeric and oligomeric dyes, metal organic frameworks with sorbed dyes, and two-photon-absorbing semiconductors. The compositions may exhibit strong gamma rejection. Other scintillators combining luminescent materials with neutron converters are available. With a multiple-layer coating, it may be possible to identify the presence of both neutrons and gamma rays, for example. Coatings may be applied during manufacture or in the field.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic chemical and radiation sensors formed by coating the fibers with certain types of response materials are provided. For distributed chemical sensors, the coatings are reactive with the targets; the heat absorbed or released during a reaction will cause a local temperature change on the fiber. For distributed radiation sensors, coating a fiber with a scintillator enhances sensitivity toward thermal neutrons, for example, by injecting light into the fiber. The luminescent components in these materials are taken from conjugated polymeric and oligomeric dyes, metal organic frameworks with sorbed dyes, and two-photon-absorbing semiconductors. The compositions may exhibit strong gamma rejection. Other scintillators combining luminescent materials with neutron converters are available. With a multiple-layer coating, it may be possible to identify the presence of both neutrons and gamma rays, for example. Coatings may be applied during manufacture or in the field.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic sensors formed by covering the fibers with tubing are provided. The tubing including responsive materials formulated or configured to, responsive to exposure to one of a target chemical species and a target radiation particle, change a relative size and generate a localized effect on or in the optical fiber.

Abstract: Joints, such as adhesive and welded thermoplastic joints, comprising embedded and/or surface mounted components of a sensor system are provided. The embedded and/or surface mounted component can be an optical fiber. Strain and/or stress can be monitored in the joint in a spatially resolved manner periodically or continuously, for example, to warn of potential failure of the joint or estimate residual/remaining life of a bonded component. The stress and/or strain information can also be used to improve the design of the joint. Methods and systems for monitoring stress and/or strain in a joint, and methods of preparing the joints are provided, as well.

Abstract: Methods for assessing fiber and bundle orientations and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials using Thermal Digital Image Correlation (TDIC) are disclosed. In some examples, the method comprises exposing the composite material to a temperature change; imaging the composite material at a plurality of time points before, during and/or after the temperature change; and assessing the characteristic of the composite material based on the imaging. In others, temperature changes naturally occur during the cooling process after manufacturing can be employed for this method such as compression molding process, injection molding process, resin transfer molding processes and its variants.

Abstract: Joints, such as adhesive and welded thermoplastic joints, comprising embedded and/or surface mounted components of a sensor system are provided. The embedded and/or surface mounted component can be an optical fiber. Strain and/or stress can be monitored in the joint in a spatially resolved manner periodically or continuously, for example, to warn of potential failure of the joint or estimate residual/remaining life of a bonded component. The stress and/or strain information can also be used to improve the design of the joint. Methods and systems for monitoring stress and/or strain in a joint, and methods of preparing the joints are provided, as well.

Abstract: Carbon fiber composites containing lignin carbon fibers are described. The lignin carbon fibers can be derived from organosolv lignin obtained from single source lignocellulosic feedstocks or combinations of such feedstocks or lignin obtained via other pulping or extraction methods. Also described are methods of preparing the carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.

Abstract: Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.

Abstract: Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.

Abstract: Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.

Abstract: A method for creating a foam product using microwaves and alcohol useful for various industrial applications. The method of creating polymeric foam includes 2-butanol used in conjunction with microwaves to create a polymer foam material.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size, shape and distribution of particles wherein a digital image analysis based optical system characterizes the particle size distribution of granular and cohesion-less materials. The size and shape information is obtained in real time. Such an automated analysis system comprises the following four major components: 1) particle sizing hardware and software, 2) progressive scan CCD camera and stepper motor driven optical zoom system with large magnification ratio, 3) horizontal vibrating feeder, and 4) appropriate lighting system. In operation, the vibratory feeder allows the tested material free fall in front of the CCD camera. The backlight provided by a DC lighting system projects the free falling particles onto the camera's image plane. Pictures from free falling material are captured and transferred into the computer through a video frame grabber.