Abstract: In a method of depositing a fibroin structure, a fibroin ink is generated. The fibroin ink is aerosol jet printed onto a substrate. To prepare the ink, a plurality of biologically-generated silk cocoons are each cut into at least two pieces of raw silk and are degummed to remove sericin, leaving fibroin fibers. The fibroin fibers are dissolved into a lithium bromide solution. The salt is removed by placing the fibroin/salt solution in a dialysis membrane tube and submerging it in deionized water. The fibroin solution is centrifuged to remove impurities therefrom, leaving fibroin ink. The fibroin ink is atomized into a fibroin ink aerosol, which is directed to a print nozzle. A focusing gas sheath is directed around the print nozzle to deposit fibroin onto a surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a thermally conductive polymer-based resin that may be molded using a range of thermoplastic manufacturing techniques, a composition includes a thermoplastic polymer and/or elastomer, a polymer fiber, a binding agent, and a thermally conductive filler. The composition includes from 40 to 80 volume percentage of a thermoplastic polymer and/or a thermoplastic elastomer, from 5 to 30 volume percentage of a polymer fiber, from 0.1 to 20 volume percentage of a binding agent, and from 10 to 40 volume percentage of a thermally conductive filler. The polymer fibers and thermally conductive fillers are combined to create a hybrid thermally conductive particle for better feeding in standard plastic processing methods. The polymer fiber has an aspect ratio greater than 10. The filler has a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 W/m-K. The composition is characterized by a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W/m-K.

Abstract: In a method of depositing a fibroin structure, a fibroin ink is generated. The fibroin ink is aerosol jet printed onto a substrate. To prepare the ink, a plurality of biologically-generated silk cocoons are each cut into at least two pieces of raw silk and are degummed to remove sericin, leaving fibroin fibers. The fibroin fibers are dissolved into a lithium bromide solution. The salt is removed by placing the fibroin/salt solution in a dialysis membrane tube and submerging it in deionized water. The fibroin solution is centrifuged to remove impurities therefrom, leaving fibroin ink. The fibroin ink is atomized into a fibroin ink aerosol, which is directed to a print nozzle. A focusing gas sheath is directed around the print nozzle to deposit fibroin onto a surface.

Abstract: Nano structured surfaces and bulk composite materials which exhibit tunable surface morphology, wettability, thermal conductivity, and total thermal resistance properties, and methods of fabrication and uses thereof are described herein. Arrays of vertically-aligned nanostructures produced via a template assisted fabrication approach using nanoporous templates, or alternatively, via an electropolymerization process are described. As a result, control over the surface morphology and wettability can be achieved using the selective template etching process. The composite materials also demonstrate tunable thermal and electrical properties based on the methods of their fabrication. The arrays of polymeric nanostructures are chemically, mechanically, and thermally robust and can serve as soft substrates with heat dissipation capability for use in the fabrication of thermal management materials, tunable wetting for microfluidic applications, and for use in heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: In order to provide a thermally conductive polymer-based resin that may be molded using a range of thermoplastic manufacturing techniques, a composition includes a thermoplastic polymer and/or elastomer, a polymer fiber, a binding agent, and a thermally conductive filler. The composition includes from 40 to 80 volume percentage of a thermoplastic polymer and/or a thermoplastic elastomer, from 5 to 30 volume percentage of a polymer fiber, from 0.1 to 20 volume percentage of a binding agent, and from 10 to 40 volume percentage of a thermally conductive filler. The polymer fibers and thermally conductive fillers are combined to create a hybrid thermally conductive particle for better feeding in standard plastic processing methods. The polymer fiber has an aspect ratio greater than 10. The filler has a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 W/m-K. The composition is characterized by a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W/m-K.

Abstract: Nano structured surfaces and bulk composite materials which exhibit tunable surface morphology, wettability, thermal conductivity, and total thermal resistance properties, and methods of fabrication and uses thereof are described herein. Arrays of vertically-aligned nanostructures produced via a template assisted fabrication approach using nanoporous templates, or alternatively, via an electropolymerization process are described. As a result, control over the surface morphology and wettability can be achieved using the selective template etching process. The composite materials also demonstrate tunable thermal and electrical properties based on the methods of their fabrication. The arrays of polymeric nanostructures are chemically, mechanically, and thermally robust and can serve as soft substrates with heat dissipation capability for use in the fabrication of thermal management materials, tunable wetting for microfluidic applications, and for use in heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Biomimetic stimuli-responsive surfaces and articles of manufacture, together with methods of fabrication and related methods of use.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a thermal interface material for providing thermal communication between a heat sink and a heat source. The thermal interface material comprises a plurality of polymer nanofibers having first ends and second ends. The first ends can be positioned substantially adjacent to the heat source. The second ends can be positioned substantially adjacent to the heat sink. The plurality of polymer nanofibers can be aligned substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the heat source and the heat sink.

Abstract: Biomimetic stimuli-responsive surfaces and articles of manufacture, together with methods of fabrication and related methods of use.