Abstract: Ketoxime- and amide-functionalized nanomaterials. The nanomaterials including a nanomaterial comprising a carbon nanotube or a carbon nanofiber. At least one ketoxime group coupled to a first location on the nanomaterial, and at least one amide group coupled to a second location on the nanomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of preparation for symmetrical and unsymmetrical diamines containing three ether-linked benzonitrile moieties that may be used as monomers for the manufacture of a variety of functional polymers. For example, the presently disclosed multi(ether-benzonitrile) diamines may polymerize with: (i) a dianhydride to form a polyimide; (ii) a diacid chloride directly or with a dicarboxylic acid (diacid) in conjunction with a suitable promoter/catalyst combination such as triethylphosphite/pyridine to form a polyamide; and (iii) 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride (trimellitic anhydride), trimellitic anhydride chloride, or a diacid/diacid chloride derived from trimellitic anhydride and an aromatic diamine to form a poly(amide-imide).

Abstract: Compositions of azobenzene-containing, photomechanically active, copoly(amic acids) and linear copolyimides comprising an azobenzenediamine, a rigid dianhydride, and a flexible dianhydride; and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Multifunctional amine crosslinkers that may be used to create crosslinked polyimide, polyamide, and poly(amide-imide) polymers and films having shape memory properties at elevated temperatures and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Ketoxime- and amide-functionalized nanomaterials. The nanomaterials including a nanomaterial comprising a carbon nanotube or a carbon nanofiber. At least one ketoxime group coupled to a first location on the nanomaterial, and at least one amide group coupled to a second location on the nanomaterial.

Abstract: A crosslinked aromatic polyimide having shape memory properties and methods of making the same. The crosslinked aromatic polyimide comprises at least one aromatic diamine, at least one dianhydride monomer, and a tri(oxybenzene-amine) crosslinker. The crosslinked aromatic polyimide polymers and films possess superior shape memory properties at temperatures above 225° C.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyimides based on a novel crosslinker and methods of making the same. The general structure of these heat-resistant and amorphous polyimides is shown as follows: in which n, m, and l denote the degrees of polymerization (DP) of each arm and the linking group R? is one of the following moieties: —C(CF3)2—, —O—, —SO2—, >C(?O), —OPh-C(CH3)2-PhO-, -(Ph)C(CF3)—, or a direct bond (—). Films (cantilevers) comprising cross-linked polyimides according to the present invention demonstrate photodirected bending upon exposure to linearly polarized light.

Abstract: Multifunctional amine crosslinkers that may be used to create crosslinked polyimide, polyamide, and poly(amide-imide) polymers and films having shape memory properties at elevated temperatures and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units having recurring ion conducting groups and optional crosslinkable groups is disclosed. The present invention provides the capability of tailoring polymers to impart unique properties to membranes fabricated from the polymers. Membranes comprising the polymers and methods for preparing the membranes and their use in ion conducting membranes, particularly in fuel cells, are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units having recurring ion conducting groups and optional crosslinkable groups is disclosed. The present invention provides the capability of tailoring polymers to impart unique properties to membranes fabricated from the polymers. Membranes comprising the polymers and methods for preparing the membranes and their use in ion conducting membranes, particularly in fuel cells, are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units having recurring ion conducting groups and optional crosslinkable groups is disclosed. The present invention provides the capability of tailoring polymers to impart unique properties to membranes fabricated from the polymers. Membranes comprising the polymers and methods for preparing the membranes and their use in ion conducting membranes, particularly in fuel cells, are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units having recurring ion conducting groups and optional crosslinkable groups is disclosed. The present invention provides the capability of tailoring polymers to impart unique properties to membranes fabricated from the polymers. Membranes comprising the polymers and methods for preparing the membranes and their use in ion conducting membranes, particularly in fuel cells, are also provided.