Abstract: A method is provided for forming a substantially uniaxially-oriented, high content cellulose nanocrystal film. The method includes providing a plant-biomass-based suspension of cellulose nanocrystals and altering the pH of the cellulose nanocrystals to a substantially neutral pH. The suspension is sheared at a shearing rate. The method further includes orienting the cellulose nanocrystals in a substantially axial direction and removing water from the sheared cellulose nanocrystal suspension. As a result, a substantially uniaxially-oriented cellulose nanocrystal film is formed.

Abstract: A fuse element includes a substrate disposed between first and second terminals. The substrate includes an electrically insulative material. A conductive film is disposed on a first surface of the substrate and in electrical contact with the first terminal and second terminals.

Abstract: A bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: A fuse element includes a substrate disposed between first and second terminals. The substrate includes an electrically insulative material. A conductive film is disposed on a first surface of the substrate and in electrical contact with the first terminal and second terminals.

Abstract: A copolymer comprises a first monomer including a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group linked to the hydrophilic group, and a second monomer polymerized to the first monomer. The hydrophobic group is oil-repellant. A receding contact angle of a low surface energy fluid on the copolymer is greater than an advancing contact angle of a high surface energy fluid on the copolymer.

Abstract: A bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: A copolymer comprises a first monomer including a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group linked to the hydrophilic group, and a second monomer polymerized to the first monomer. The hydrophobic group is oil-repellant. A receding contact angle of a low surface energy fluid on the copolymer is greater than an advancing contact angle of a high surface energy fluid on the copolymer.