Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar®, Spectra®, ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800° C. in air.

Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar®, Spectra®, ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800° C. in air.

Abstract: This invention is a system, an apparatus and a method for measuring biomechanical properties of cornea and the intraocular pressure in vivo. More than one dimensional topographic information of the cornea is recorded and analyzed before and during the fluid discharge and converted to the stress-strain relationship and other cornea parameters, for example the cornea thickness and radius of curvature, etc. The deformation of cornea is initiated by a non-contact fluid discharge whose profile is predetermined and monitored in real time. Utilizing this non-contact topographer, the true intraocular pressure can be derived from the response of the cornea due to the impact of fluid discharge and the corneal topographic parameters. One embodiment of this invention includes the use of a multiple color strobe light/multiple detector system to record the corneal topographic deformation due to the impact of fluid discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for the synthesis and growth of single crystals of phosphorus compounds starting with the elemental materials in a single furnace without external exposure. The apparatus of the present invention is a crystal growth furnace heated by RF coils. Inside the furnace is a susceptor heated by a lower coil device for holding a crucible. Above the crucible is selectively positioned a phosphorus improved injector. The improved injector is further surrounded by a susceptor which is heated by an upper coil device. The non-phosphorus materials are placed in the crucible and melted to a desired temperature. The phosphorus material previously placed within the injector is heated by the radiant heat from both crucible and the upper susceptor to drive the phosphorus vapor into the melt through a tube. This is closely controlled by noting the temperature within the injector and adjusting the height of the injector above the melt to control the temperature within the phosphorus material.