Abstract: A method for repairing defects on a structure is disclosed herein. The method comprises use of an additive manufacturing head to inject a flowable filler material into the defect. In certain embodiments, the additive manufacturing head can be a laser metal deposition (LMD) head comprising a powder nozzle and a laser. The structure can be, e.g., a pipeline or a pressure vessel used in petroleum, petrochemical, or natural gas applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to metal/polymer hybrid materials, and methods for fabricating such, with strong bonding between the metals and polymers and improved properties. The articles of manufacture disclosed herein can include a metallic material and a polymer material bonded to the metallic material via a cocontinuous interface that provides for strong bonding between the metallic material and the polymer material.

Abstract: Provided are cementitious mixtures and processes for reinforcing a cementitious matrix. In one form of the process for reinforcing a cementitious matrix includes the steps of mixing a mineral cement and one or more populations of synthetic copolymer microfibers including about 1 mol. % to about 25 mol. % and from about 75 mol. % to about 99.5 mol. % of propylene monomeric units.

Abstract: Provided are cementitious mixtures and processes for reinforcing a cementitious matrix. In one form of the process for reinforcing a cementitious matrix includes the steps of mixing a mineral cement and one or more populations of synthetic copolymer microfibers including about 1 mol. % to about 25 mol. % and from about 75 mol. % to about 99.5 mol. % of propylene monomeric units.

Abstract: Cementitious mixtures, such as concrete, can be reinforced by adding one or more ductile but strong synthetic copolymer microfibers to the mixture. The synthetic copolymer microfibers improve local energy dissipation and bear load, taking the driving force for crack propagation away from the crack tip and thus reinforcing the cementitious mixture against the propagation of microscopic cracks. The resulting mixtures have an improved balance of strength properties.

Abstract: Provided are cementitious mixtures and processes for reinforcing a cementitious matrix. In one form of the process for reinforcing a cementitious matrix includes the steps of mixing a mineral cement and one or more populations of synthetic, low-crystallinity copolymer microfibers.

Abstract: A system for machining a workpiece to desired finished workpiece specifications. The system comprises a system for producing a laser beam; a system for positioning the workpiece relative to the laser beam; a system for measuring the topography of the work piece and producing workpiece topography data; and a computer and control system operatively connected to the system for producing a laser beam, to the system for positioning the workpiece relative to the laser beam, and to the system for measuring the topography of the work piece and producing workpiece topography data. The computer and control system compares the workpiece topography data with the desired finished workpiece specifications and controls the system for positioning the workpiece relative to the laser beam so that the workpiece is moved with respect to the laser beam in a desirable fashion, within certain velocity, acceleration, and distance constraints.