Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a polycarbonate; 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition of a nanosilica having a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers; wherein the nanosilica has a hydrophobic coating; and a siloxane domain having repeat units of the formula 10; wherein each R is independently a C1-13 monovalent organic group and the value of E is 2 to 1,000; wherein the composition comprises at least one of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, 0.1 to 5 wt % of a polysiloxane homopolymer based on the total weight of the composition, or a plurality of polysiloxane particles having a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers.

Abstract: Various aspects disclosed relate to hybrid nanoparticles embedded in non-magnetic microparticles. These materials can be used to directionally orient and impart an ordered structure to a variety of materials.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite (e.g., for portable electronic devices), and methods of molding such fiber-reinforced composite parts. Such a fiber-reinforced composite part comprises one or more fiber layers and a plurality of ceramic particles within a polymer matrix such that ceramic particles and polymer are disposed above and below each of the fiber layer(s), with the ceramic particles comprising from 30% to 90% by volume of the composite part, the polymer matrix comprising from 6% to 50% by volume of the composite part, and the fiber layer(s) comprising from 1% to 40% by volume of the composite part; the ceramic particles having a Dv50 of from 50 nanometers to 100 micrometers; the ceramic particles being substantially free of agglomeration; and the composite part having a relative density greater than 90%.

Abstract: Various aspects disclosed relate to hybrid nanoparticles embedded in non-magnetic microparticles. These materials can be used to directionally orient and impart an ordered structure to a variety of materials.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a composition comprises a polycarbonate; 1 to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the composition of a nanosilica having a D50 particle size by volume of 5 to 50 nanometers; wherein the nanosilica has a hydrophobic coating; and a siloxane domain having repeat units of the formula 10; wherein each R is independently a C1-13 monovalent organic group and the value of E is 2 to 1,000; wherein the composition comprises at least one of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, 0.1 to 5 wt % of a polysiloxane homopolymer based on the total weight of the composition, or a plurality of polysiloxane particles having a D50 particle size by volume of 0.1 to 10 micrometers.

Abstract: A high heat epoxy composition comprising: a high heat epoxy compound; a thermoplastic polymer; and a hardener; wherein a cured sample of the high heat epoxy composition has a glass transition temperature greater than or equal to 200° C., preferably greater than 220° C., or preferably greater than 240° C., measured as per ASTM D3418; or wherein a cured sample of the composition has a fracture toughness greater than 150 J/m2, preferably greater than 170 J/m2, preferably greater than 190 J/m2, measured as per ASTM D5045 is provided.

Abstract: A curable high heat epoxy composition, comprising: 40 to 95 wt % of at least one high heat diepoxy compound of formulas (I) to (X) as provided herein; 1 to 40 wt % of an auxiliary polyepoxide; 0.01 to 12 wt % of a core-shell particle comprising an elastomer core and a rigid shell; and a hardener.

Abstract: Described herein are single- and multi-layer cold-sintered ceramic composites and processes for making them from inorganic compounds embedded within the cells of open cell non-ceramic substrates. The cold sintering process and diversity of microarchitectures based upon the open cell substrates allow the manufacture of a wide variety of single- and multi-layer cold-sintered ceramic composites with superior strength, toughness, and resistance to crack propagation.

Abstract: Ceramic composite materials, devices and methods are shown. In selected examples, ceramic materials are processed at low temperatures that permit incorporation of low temperature components, such as polymer components. manufacturing methods include, but are not limited to, injection molding, autoclaving and calendaring.

Abstract: Drop-weight tower (110) for reproducibly initiating a crack in a material sample for fracture mechanics testing comprising a base (120) with a top surface upon which a sample holder (124) is mounted to grip a material sample, an attachment column (140) having a linear rail (142), a carriage (162) attached to the linear rail (142) and a stage (164) is attached to the carriage. The stage (164) includes a vertical rod (184) and a razor-blade holder (178). A weight is slidably mounted to the vertical rod (184). The carriage is used to adjust the height of the stage (164) relative to the material sample. A hammer (180) slides up and down the vertical rod (184) to apply consistent and reproducible force on the razor (178) that then initiates the crack in the material sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing notches in material samples for fracture mechanics testing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base and a sample holder for gripping a sample. A linear rail is inclined at an angle relative to the sample holder, and may be attached to an attachment column extending upward from the base. A carriage assembly attached to the linear rail includes: a carriage capable of sliding up and down along the linear rail and a blade holder attached to the carriage. The blade holder slides up and down the linear rail to initiate a notch in the sample.

Abstract: Drop-weight tower (110) for reproducibly initiating a crack in a material sample for fracture mechanics testing comprising a base (120) with a top surface upon which a sample holder (124) is mounted to grip a material sample, an attachment column (140) having a linear rail (142), a carriage (162) attached to the linear rail (142) and a stage (164) is attached to the carriage. The stage (164) includes a vertical rod (184) and a razor-blade holder (178). A weight is slidably mounted to the vertical rod (184). The carriage is used to adjust the height of the stage (164) relative to the material sample. A hammer (180) slides up and down the vertical rod (184) to apply consistent and reproducible force on the razor (178) that then initiates the crack in the material sample.