Abstract: A chromate-free, self-healing conversion coating solution for magnesium alloy substrates, composed of 10-20 wt. % Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, 1-5 wt. % Al(NO3)3.9H2O, and less than 1 wt. % of [V10O28]6? or VO3? dissolved in water. The corrosion resistance offered by the resulting coating is in several hundreds of hours in salt-spray testing. This prolonged corrosion protection is attributed to the creation of a unique structure and morphology of the conversion coating that serves as a barrier coating with self-healing properties. Hydroxoaluminates form the backbone of the barrier protection offered while the magnesium hydroxide domains facilitate the “slow release” of vanadium compounds as self-healing moieties to defect sites, thus providing active corrosion protection.

Abstract: Phase separated self-healing polymer coatings having a “biphasic” thermoset/thermoplastic morphology to achieve self-healing. The biphasic structure has: (i) a major “load-bearing” thermoset phase that has superior strength and performs major mechanical and structural functions, and (ii) a “self-healing” phase of a thermoplastic healing agent to repair the material and restore its mechanical and structural integrity after being damaged. The phase-separated morphology is achieved through phase separation via a reaction process.

Abstract: A cathode electrode material for use in rechargeable Li-ion batteries, based on the integration of two Li-based materials of NASICON- and Spinel-type structures, is described in the present invention. The structure and composition of the cathode can be described by a core material and a surface coating surrounding the core material, wherein the core of the cathode particle is of the formula LiMn2-xNixO4?? (0.5?x?0 & 0???1) and having a spinel crystal structure, the surface coating is of the formula Li1+xMxTi2-x(PO4)3 (M: is a trivalent cation, 0.5?x?0) having a NASICON-type crystal structure.

Abstract: A composite component having a two layer protective coating is disclosed. The composite component is adapted for use in the power transmission industry and includes a fiberglass inner core, a pliable first coating layer applied to the fiberglass core, and a hard second coating layer applied to the first coating layer.

Abstract: Phase separated self-healing polymeric wood coatings having a “biphasic” thermoset/thermoplastic morphology to achieve self-healing. The biphasic structure has: (i) a major “load-bearing” thermoset phase that has superior strength and performs major mechanical and structural functions, and (ii) a “self-healing” phase of a thermoplastic healing agent to repair the material and restore its mechanical and structural integrity after being damaged. The phase-separated morphology is achieved through phase separation via a reaction process. Methodologies for achieving the above mentioned “biphasic” structure in solvent borne thermally cured resin, waterborne resin, and solvent borne UV-curable resin are described.

Abstract: Surface functionalized sorbent particles for vapor-phase mercury removal, especially in the presence of SO3 in, for example, flue gas. The sorbent surface is modified to increase the SO3 resistance of vapor-phase mercury sorbents. The mercury removal efficiency is immune to the presence of SO3, which is not the case with conventional activated carbon as well as brominated activated carbons. The sorbent is based on carbon particles with a metal oxide coating on the surface. The thin metal oxide layer acts as an amenable surface to introduce functional groups. The metal oxide coated carbon was further modified with amine molecules, to increase its resistance towards SO3 poisoning.

Abstract: Nanoscale additives and methodology for their use during polymer-aided sludge dewatering to increase the dewatering efficiency compared to traditionally used polymer-only dewatering processes. The nanoscale additive increases the percent solids in the dewatered cake compared to polymer-only treatment. When the nanoscale additives are added, the centrifugal force (shear) required to obtain high percent solids can be significantly reduced and the optimum polymer dose required for effective dewatering is also significantly reduced.

Abstract: A new class of carbon-based sorbents for vapor-phase mercury removal is disclosed in this invention. The optimum structure of the sorbent particles, and a method to produce the sorbent, are described. The sorbent is based on carbon particles with a metal-oxide coating on the surface. The thin metal-oxide layer acts as a barrier for the adsorption of Air Entrainment Admixture (AEA), the component used to stabilize bubbles in cement), thereby enhancing its concrete friendliness. The metal-oxide is coated on the surface of carbon, using a solution-based method. The metal-oxide coated carbon was further modified with sulfur molecules, to increase its mercury removal capacity.

Abstract: A new class of sorbents for the removal of mercury from contaminated water. The optimum structure of the sorbent particles and a method to produce the same is described. The newly developed carbon-based particles are differentiated from other sorbent particles by their high accessible surface area and high affinity towards mercury ions that leads to faster and higher mercury adsorption. The sorbent is based on carbon particles with a metal-oxide coating on the surface. The metal-oxide is coated on the surface of carbon, using a solution-based method. The metal-oxide coated carbon was further modified with sulfur molecules, to increase its mercury removal capacity.

Abstract: A method for producing a nanostructured cermet material, including the steps of preparing an aqueous solution mixture of precursor compounds of the cermet material, introducing the solution mixture into a heated tubular reactor in the form of a fine-particle aerosol, and processing the solution mixture in the heated tubular reactor to form the nanostructured cermet material. The present invention is further directed to a processing apparatus configured for implementing the present method.

Abstract: A composite ceramic including a first phase of ceramic material and a second phase of ceramic material, the first and second phases forming three dimensional interconnected networks of each phase and having a nano-scaled grain size. The composite ceramic is produced in a method which utilizes rapid solidification at cooling rates of at least ˜104° K/sec to produce a metastable material formed by a solid solution of a two immiscible ceramic material phases, and which also utilizes relatively high pressure/low temperature consolidation to complete densification of the metastable material, while simultaneously generating a composite structure with nano-scale grain dimensions through a controlled phase transformation.

Abstract: Processes for producing fine LiFePO4/C and nanostructured LiFexM1?xPO4/C composite powders, where 1?x?0.1 and M is a metal cation. Electrodes made of either nanostructured LiFexM1?xPO4 powders or nanostructured LiFexM1?xPO4/C composite powders exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. That will provide high power density, low cost and environmentally friendly rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

Abstract: A low cost and scalable processes for producing nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4 and nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4/C composite powders, where 1?x?0.1 and M is a metal cation, such as Mn, Co, Ni, and V. Electronics made of either nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4 powders or nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4/C composite powders exhibit good electrochemical properties. The electronic conductivity of nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4 powders is enhanced by intimately mixing them with ultrafine carbon particles. Thus, the use of nanostructured LiFexM1-xPO4/C composite powders will lead to high power density, low cost and environmentally friendly rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

Abstract: An anti-cancer composition having biocompatible materials, which can selectively exploit chemical variations between normal cells and cancer cells to inhibit or prevent the proliferation of cancerous cells and methods of use.

Abstract: A method for producing nanostructured multi-component or doped oxide particles and the particles produced therein. The process includes the steps of (i) dissolving salts of cations, which are either dopants or components of the final oxide, in an organic solvent; (ii) adding a dispersion of nanoparticles of a single component oxide to the liquid solution; (iii) heating the liquid solution to facilitate diffusion of cations into the nanoparticles; (iv) separating the solids from the liquid solution; and (v) heat treating the solids either to form the desired crystal structure in case of multi-component oxide or to render the homogeneous distribution of dopant cation in the host oxide structure. The process produces nanocrystalline multi-component or doped oxide nanoparticles with a particle size of 5–500 nm, more preferably 20–100 nm; the collection of particles have an average secondary (or aggregate) particle size is in the range of 25–2000 nm, preferably of less than 500 nm.

Abstract: A composite ceramic including a first phase of ceramic material and a second phase of ceramic material, the first and second phases forming three dimensional interconnected networks of each phase and having a nano-scaled grain size. The composite ceramic is produced in a method which utilizes rapid solidification at cooling rates of at least ˜104° K./sec to produce a metastable material formed by a solid solution of a two immiscible ceramic material phases, and which also utilizes relatively high pressure/low temperature consolidation to complete densification of the metastable material, while simultaneously generating a composite structure with nano-scale grain dimensions through a controlled phase transformation.

Abstract: Nanostructured and layered lithium manganese oxide powders and methods of producing same. The powders are represented by the chemical formula, LixMn1-yMyO2, where 0.5<x<1.33, 0?y?0.5 and have an average primary particle diameter from 5 nm to 300 nm, preferably between 5 and 100 nm, and M is at least one cation dopant. The powders can be formed into active cathode materials in Li-ion and Li rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A transparent and abrasion resistant coating which includes a transparent matrix, relatively large-sized abrasion resistant ceramic particles and nanosized ceramic particles for raising the index of refraction of the matrix to that of the abrasion resistant ceramic particles. The present coating provides a scratch resistant coatings for use on plastic substrates, which are needed in a variety of applications such as, high index ophthalmic and sportswear lenses, as well as automobile side windows and aircraft cockpit applications.

Abstract: Ultrafine powders of Li4Ti5O12 with particles in the size range of 25-500 nm. The average size of particles is about 500 nm of less, preferably about 300 nm or less. The particles are composed of nanocrystallites, which have an average size about 30 nm. This invention also includes the method of producing these ultrafine Li4Ti5O12 particles. The process utilizes (i) nanoparticles of TiO2, (ii) a lithium salt, and (iii) an organic solvent with a boiling point in the range of 70-230° C. The process is carried out at pressures in the range of 0.5 to 10 atmospheres. The inorganic salt of Li is mixed with TiO2 nanoparticles (˜20-25 nm) in the organic solvent. The solution is heated to a temperature and at a pressure to facilitate the diffusion of Li ions in to nanoparticles. After completion of the reaction, the powder is heat treated in O2 or an inert gas to form the desired phase.

Abstract: A thermal spray method for the fabrication of ceramic/metal and ceramic/ceramic hardcoating for wear applications. The method makes use of feedstock powder, composed of micron-scale aggregates of hard phase material particles that are either mixed or coated with a readily fusible nano-scale binder phase material. Thus, during thermal spraying, the nanostructured material undergoes rapid melting while the aggregated material is heated but not necessarily melted. A dense coating is formed when the molten nano-material fills the available pore spaces between the heated and softened aggregates, providing a strong and tough matrix for the consolidated material. Optimal wear properties are achieved when the volume fraction of aggregated particles is high, typically in the range of 0.5-0.9. Aggregated material may be composed of one, two or more particles of difference sizes and/or compositions, with particle size distribution that gives high packing density for the hard phase.