Abstract: A cellulose-polymer nanocomposite is provided by reacting a polymer monomer in the presence of with a cellulose-polymer precursor. The precursor may include an azonitrile-based initiator grafted to a cellulose nanomaterial. The monomer and the precursor are reacted together in an aqueous solvent, in free monomer solution, or in an extruder. In one embodiment, the azonitrile initiator is 4,4?-Azobis (4-cyanovaleric acid), 4,4?-Azobis (4-cyanopentanoic acid), 1,1?-azodi (hexahydrobenzonitrile), oorr 2,2? azodi(2-methyl-butyronitrile), azobisisobutyronitrile or Val-azobisisobutyronitrile.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, as well as a method for preparing a flame retardant comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, is provided. Also provided are methods for making a flame retardant article using the described flame retardant composition. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition is prepared by dissolution of chitosan or a modified chitosan by an aqueous acid, followed by evaporation of the water. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition can further include at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of a polyol, flame retardant, nitrogen containing compound, carbonate containing compound, crosslinking agent, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to cellulose nanocrystals and other anionic carbohydrates and methods of preparation thereof. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the cellulose nanocrystals are modified using ion exchange technology to yield thermally stable or task-specific, dispersible cellulose nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present application relates to cellulose nanocrystals and other anionic carbohydrates and methods of preparation thereof. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the cellulose nanocrystals are modified using ion exchange technology to yield thermally stable or task-specific, dispersible cellulose nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present application relates to cellulose nanocrystals and other anionic carbohydrates and methods of preparation thereof. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the cellulose nanocrystals are modified using ion exchange technology to yield thermally stable or task-specific, dispersible cellulose nanocrystals.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, as well as a method for preparing a flame retardant comprising chitosan or a modified chitosan, is provided. Also provided are methods for making a flame retardant article using the described flame retardant composition. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition is prepared by dissolution of chitosan or a modified chitosan by an aqueous acid, followed by evaporation of the water. In various embodiments, the flame retardant composition can further include at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of a polyol, flame retardant, nitrogen containing compound, carbonate containing compound, crosslinking agent, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A flame retardant coating composition comprising poly(dopamine) and either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) or gaseous ammonia, as well as an article comprising a substrate and the flame retardant coating composition, is provided. In various embodiments, the poly(dopamine) is substantially water insoluble. The coating composition can further comprise at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of melamine, an anionic clay, a phosphorus-containing compound, an amine-containing compound, aluminosilicates, silicon oxides, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for forming the flame retardant coating composition and methods for increasing flame retardant properties of a substrate.

Abstract: A flame retardant coating composition comprising poly(dopamine) and either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) or gaseous ammonia, as well as an article comprising a substrate and the flame retardant coating composition, is provided. In various embodiments, the poly(dopamine) is substantially water insoluble. The coating composition can further comprise at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of melamine, an anionic clay, a phosphorus-containing compound, an amine-containing compound, aluminosilicates, silicon oxides, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for forming the flame retardant coating composition and methods for increasing flame retardant properties of a substrate.

Abstract: A flame retardant coating composition comprising poly(dopamine) and either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) or gaseous ammonia, as well as an article comprising a substrate and the flame retardant coating composition, is provided. In various embodiments, the poly(dopamine) is substantially water insoluble. The coating composition can further comprise at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of melamine, an anionic clay, a phosphorus-containing compound, an amine-containing compound, aluminosilicates, silicon oxides, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for forming the flame retardant coating composition and methods for increasing flame retardant properties of a substrate.

Abstract: The present application relates to cellulose nanocrystals and other anionic carbohydrates and methods of preparation thereof. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the cellulose nanocrystals are modified using ion exchange technology to yield thermally stable or task-specific, dispersible cellulose nanocrystals.

Abstract: A flame retardant coating composition comprising poly(dopamine) and either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) or gaseous ammonia, as well as an article comprising a substrate and the flame retardant coating composition, is provided. In various embodiments, the poly(dopamine) is substantially water insoluble. The coating composition can further comprise at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of melamine, an anionic clay, a phosphorus-containing compound, an amine-containing compound, aluminosilicates, silicon oxides, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for forming the flame retardant coating composition and methods for increasing flame retardant properties of a substrate.

Abstract: A light steel structural member includes a web portion and a pair of flanges. The web portion has a web face. The pair of flange portions each extend generally orthogonally from each end of the web portion. The flange portions each having a plane and the planes are generally parallel each other and each flange has a flange face. At least one of the web face and the flange face has a plurality of embosses formed therein. In another embodiment the light steel structural member further includes a pair of restraining ribs. In a further embodiment the light steel structural member further includes a pair of lips and a pair of multi-cranked stiffeners. A method of making the light steel structural members is shown.

Abstract: Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) powered printing devices are provided. In particular, Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods of Ethernet powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printing operations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, the present invention provides for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer control and image generating electronics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing multiple access paths to a single ported storage device used in data storage subsystems. In an embodiment, the system provides circuitry associated with single ported storage devices, including a coupling circuit with a microcontroller for signals which include the data and control paths to and from redundant storage device controllers. In this embodiment, the additional control in the form of discrete signal lines or through additional commands is used to manage routing of the signals to and from a redundant data storage controller. Further, each redundant data storage controller preferably has its own primary set of storage devices. If one of the controllers fails, the redundant controller can switch its control to the failed controller's storage devices thus maintaining user access to the data contained on those storage devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses technology that extends single-ported storage devices by providing multiple access paths and power control in data storage subsystems. In an embodiment, the system provides circuitry associated with single ported storage devices to connect the data and control signals of the storage devices to two redundant storage controllers and to control the storage device power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing multiple access paths to a single ported storage device used in data storage subsystems. In an embodiment, the system provides circuitry associated with single ported storage devices, including a coupling circuit with a microcontroller for signals which include the data and control paths to and from redundant storage device controllers. In this embodiment, the additional control in the form of discrete signal lines or through additional commands is used to manage routing of the signals to and from a redundant data storage controller. Further, each redundant data storage controller preferably has its own primary set of storage devices. If one of the controllers fails, the redundant controller can switch its control to the failed controller's storage devices thus maintaining user access to the data contained on those storage devices.