Abstract: Provided herein are a polymer resin and a polymer network. The polymer resin includes at least one cyclopolymerized ortho-diynylarene (ODA) monomer and is processable at a temperature of less than 200° C. The polymer network includes a network formed from the polymer resin.

Abstract: A composition for hydraulic fracking is provided, which includes a proppant particle and a ground rubber tire particle.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided. The sensing device includes a base material comprising metal, metalized polymer, or a combination thereof; a first coating layer over the base material, the first coating layer comprising polystyrene; and a second coating layer over the first coating layer, the second coating layer comprising a fluorinated silane-modified polystyrene. Also provided are a method of making the sensing device and a method of electrochemical detection of an analyte in a liquid using the sensing device.

Abstract: A composition for hydraulic fracking is provided, which includes a proppant particle and a ground rubber tire particle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to melt-processable carbon fiber precursors which have the capability of thermal stabilization in air followed by carbonization in inert atmosphere which make them cost effective and widen their applications.

Abstract: The invention is directed to melt-processable carbon fiber precursors which have the capability of thermal stabilization in air followed by carbonization in inert atmosphere which make them cost effective and widen their applications.

Abstract: A composition for hydraulic fracking is provided, which includes a proppant particle and a ground rubber tire particle.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitric oxide-releasing compositions comprising polyacrylonitrile polymers that are diazeniumdiolated, and to medical devices comprising such compositions, as well as to methods of making and using the compositions and medical devices.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitric oxide-releasing compositions comprising polyacrylonitrile polymers that are diazeniumdiolated, and to medical devices comprising such compositions, as well as to methods of making and using the compositions and medical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers that include components produced from renewable resources and methods for forming the disclosed polymers. The polymers include the reactive intermediates that in turn include components derived from, for example, lactide or sorbitol. The reactive intermediates can be polymerized with each other as well as with more traditional resins to form polymeric networks. In one embodiment, the disclosed intermediates can be utilized in forming vinyl ester resins. In particular, the vinyl ester-styrene resins and thermoset networks formed therefrom including the disclosed intermediates can include lower styrene content than previously known vinyl ester-styrene resins, and can exhibit physical characteristics such as glass transition temperature and flexural strength properties equal to previously known vinyl ester-styrene resins that include a higher styrene content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing lactide-based copolymers and copolymers produced by the process. The copolymers are formed by the copolymerization of a lactide monomer with a secondary material. In one embodiment, the secondary material can be derived from renewable resources, providing a product copolymer completely derived from renewable resources. The disclosed materials may display improved hydrolytic and thermal characteristics as compared to previously known lactide-based materials. Exemplary secondary materials that can be copolymerized with lactide can include polyhydroxy alkanoates, long chain primary alcohols, and depsipeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are telechelic fluoropolymers and methods for forming the polymers. The fluoropolymers can be formed via step-growth polymerization of bis(trifluorovinyloxy)biphenyls with bisphenols. The formed telechelic polymers possess fluoroolefin functionality at the trifluorovinyl aromatic ether endgroups. Internal groups can include difluorodioxyvinylene groups and trifluoroethyl groups. Formation methods of the telechelic polymers can be controlled so as to control molecular weight and degree of unsaturation of the polymers. The end groups and the internal groups can be further reacted independently of each other, e.g., under different temperature conditions, to form a variety of polymers and/or crosslinked polymeric networks.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers that include components produced from renewable resources and methods for forming the disclosed polymers. The polymers include the reactive intermediates that in turn include components derived from, for example, lactide or sorbitol. The reactive intermediates can be polymerized with each other as well as with more traditional resins to form polymeric networks. In one embodiment, the disclosed intermediates can be utilized in forming vinyl ester resins. In particular, the vinyl ester-styrene resins and thermoset networks formed therefrom including the disclosed intermediates can include lower styrene content than previously known vinyl ester-styrene resins, and can exhibit physical characteristics such as glass transition temperature and flexural strength properties equal to previously known vinyl ester-styrene resins that include a higher styrene content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing lactide-based copolymers and the copolymers produced by this process. Disclosed copolymers are formed in one embodiment through the copolymerization of a lactide monomer with a fluorinated diol, for example a perfluorinated polyether monomer, oligomer or copolymer. The disclosed materials may display improved mechanical characteristics, hydrolytic characteristics, and thermal characteristics as compared to previously known lactide-based materials.

Abstract: Novel hybrid monomers containing both the aryltrifluorovyinyloxyether-group (TFVE-group) and the cyanato-group, their synthesis, and the synthesis of polymers made from these new hybrid monomers are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally friendly polymeric composite materials and products that can be formed from the composites. The polymeric composites can include a lactide-based polymeric matrix reinforced with fibers derived from renewable resources and optionally including one or more beneficial agents such as, for instance, naturally occurring UV blockers or absorbents, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, and the like. The composite materials can be formed into a desired structure according to low energy formation processes and can be designed for controlled degradation. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can be formed to produce containers for storing and protecting environmentally sensitive materials such as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. Beneficially, the disclosed materials can be formed entirely from renewable resources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rapidly moving a filter into and out of an optical beam. A shuttle carries the filter at a first end and first and second spaced apart pieces of magnetic material near the other end. A low friction guide-way supports the shuttle. A base supports the guide-way and a third magnetic piece and coil between the first and second pieces. When the shuttle is IN the first and third pieces form a first magnetic latch to releasably hold it IN and when the shuttle is OUT the second and third pieces form a second magnetic latch to releasably hold it OUT. Spring(s) between the shuttle and the base store energy when the shuttle is IN or OUT. Activating the coil weakens the magnetic attraction between the latch pieces, freeing the shuttle to move, driven by the spring(s) to the opposite OUT or IN position.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor assembly housing, a shaft, a bearing assembly coupling the shaft to the rotor assembly housing, and a mass structure coupled to and rotatable with the shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a first raceway defined in the bearing housing, a second raceway defined in the shaft, and a plurality of ball bearings positioned within the first and second raceways to enable the shaft to rotate relative to the rotor assembly housing.