Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of either clay or carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by pre-treating nanoparticles and polymer pellets prior to a melt compounding process. The clay or CNTs are coated onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets by a milling process. The introduction of moisture into the mixture of the nanoparticles and the polymer pellets results in the nanoparticles more easily, firmly, and thoroughly coating onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer adhesive matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix. The particles sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are so long that they cannot be penetrated inbetween carbon fibers during a prepreg preparation process, and are shortened in order for them not to be filtered out by the carbon fibers. This results in a huge improvement of the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus) compared with neat epoxy.

Abstract: A buffer layer is used to coat on the multi-filament wrapped string to fill the gaps. The polymers of the buffer-layer coating have a high melt-flow (low viscosity) during coating process to fill all the gaps between the filaments, and the filaments are fixed by the coatings onto base core materials. An outer protective coating is applied, which may comprise a composite nylon, clay nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, an impact modifier, or any combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes co-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: A combination of MWNTs (herein, MWNTs have more than 2 walls) and DWNTs significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. A small amount of DWNTs reinforcement (<1 wt. %) significantly improves the flexural strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. A same or similar amount of MWNTs reinforcement significantly improves the flexural modulus (stiffness) of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and DWNTs-coreinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either DWNTs or MWNTs-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. In this epoxy/DWNTs/MWNTs nanocomposite system, SWNTs may also work instead of DWNTs. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: A nylon 11 composite has significantly improved flexural modulus while keeping or even increasing the impact strength. This composite system may comprise a nylon 11/filler/modifier. The “ball” portion of badminton shuttlecocks made by this type of composite more closely emulate the flight capabilities of natural feather shuttlecocks than neat nylon 11.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes, which in several embodiments are mixed with particles, organic materials, non-organic materials, or solvents, are deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The deposition of the carbon nanotube mixture is performed using an ink jet printing process.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are coated using thick-film techniques with a catalyst to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes thereon. In one example, alumina nanoparticles are coated with a copper catalyst. Such nanoparticles can be selectively deposited onto a substrate to create a field emission cathode, which can then be utilized within field emission devices.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix before dispersing the solution using a microfluidic process. Well-dispersed particles are obtained that sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus. The resulting composite material is used for coatings on marine vessels.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise at least one type of carbon material selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, and artificial graphite powder. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The article of manufacture also comprises a metal component comprising Al, alloys of Al, or combinations thereof. The metal component is disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of pores. Further, the article of manufacture comprises an additive comprising at least Si. At least a portion of the additive is disposed in an interface between the metal component within the pores and the carbon-containing matrix. The additive enhances phonon coupling and propagation at the interface.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of either clay or carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by pre-treating nanoparticles and polymer pellets prior to a melt compounding process. The clay or CNTs are coated onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets by a milling process. The introduction of moisture into the mixture of the nanoparticles and the polymer pellets results in the nanoparticles more easily, firmly, and thoroughly coating onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets.

Abstract: Particles, which may include nanoparticles, are mixed with carbon nanotubes and deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The particles enhance the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotubes. An additional activation step may be performed on the deposited carbon nanotube mixture to further enhance the emission of electrons.

Abstract: A method for forming cathodes for use in field emission devices using nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is disclosed. The CNT layer comprises the electron emitting material on the surface of the cathode. Using the methods of the present invention, the density of the deposited CNTs may be modulated by forming emitter islands on the surface of the cathode. The size and distribution of the CNT emitter islands serve to optimize the field emission properties of the resulting CNT layer. In one embodiment, the CNT emitter islands are formed using a screen-printing deposition method. The present invention may be practiced without further process steps after deposition which activate or align the carbon nanotubes for field emission.

Abstract: Very low loading of impact modifier less than 4% can significantly improve elongation and impact strength of N6/clay nanocomposites and keep the high tensile strength and modulus. This rubber modified nylon nanocomposites have potential applications in fabricating high-strength fibers for textile industry, coatings for strings or polymer parts, and packaging industry.

Abstract: An industrial scale method for patterning nanoparticle emitters for use as cathodes in a display device is disclosed. The low temperature method can be practiced in high volume applications, with good uniformity of the resulting display device. The method steps involve deposition of CNT emitter material over an entire surface of a prefabricated composite structure, and subsequent removal of the CNT emitter material from unwanted portions of the surface using physical methods.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are so long that they cannot be penetrated inbetween carbon fibers during a prepreg preparation process, and are shortened in order for them not to be filtered out by the carbon fibers. This results in a huge improvement of the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus) compared with neat epoxy.

Abstract: Substantially enhanced field emission properties are achieved by using a process of covering a non-adhesive material (for example, paper, foam sheet, or roller) over the surface of the CNTs, pressing the material using a certain force, and removing the material.

Abstract: A combination of MWNTs (herein, MWNTs have more than 2 walls) and DWNTs significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. A small amount of DWNTs reinforcement (<1 wt. %) significantly improves the flexural strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. A same or similar amount of MWNTs reinforcement significantly improves the flexural modulus (stiffness) of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and DWNTs-coreinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either DWNTs or MWNTs-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. In this epoxy/DWNTs/MWNTs nanocomposite system, SWNTs may also work instead of DWNTs. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: Strings configured for use in sports racquets and musical instruments are fabricated as a plastic core wrapped with one or more filaments of plastic. The strings are coated with a material composite that includes rigid nanoparticles, and lubricated nylon. The rigid nanoparticles may include clay or carbon nanotubes. The strings are coated with the material composite using various processes that result in a coating thickness of between 0.1 and 200 ?m. The material composite may further include impact modifiers. The strings experience extended life due to reduced frictional wear and improved mechanical properties.