Abstract: Methods of forming hybrid aerogels are described. The methods include forming a hybrid aerogel from a metal oxide precursor and a branched telechelic copolymer, e.g., co-hydrolyzing and co-condensing the metal oxide precursor and the branched telechelic copolymer. Aerogels and aerogel articles, including hydrophobic aerogels and hydrophobic aerogel articles are also described.

Abstract: Methods of preparing hybrid aerogels are described. The methods include co-condensing a metal oxide precursor and an organo-functional metal oxide precursor, and crosslinking the organo-functional groups with an ethylenically-unsaturated crosslink agent. Thermal energy and actinic radiation crosslinking are described. Both supercritical aerogel and xerogels, including hydrophobic supercritical aerogel and xerogels, are described. Aerogel articles, including flexible aerogel articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making hydrophobic aerogels are described. Disclosed methods include forming a surface-modified metal oxide aerogel precursor from a sol comprising a solvent, a metal oxide precursor, and a hydrophobic surface modifying agent. The resulting modified precursor can be dried to from hydrophobic aerogels. Methods of forming the surface-modified metal oxide aerogel precursor include hydrolyzing the metal oxide precursor and co-condensing the hydrolyzed metal oxide precursor and the hydrophobic surface modifying agent. Hydrophobic aerogels and hydrophobic aerogel articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming hybrid aerogels are described. The methods include forming a hybrid aerogel from a metal oxide precursor and a branched telechelic copolymer, e.g., co-hydrolyzing and co-condensing the metal oxide precursor and the branched telechelic copolymer. Aerogels and aerogel articles, including hydrophobic aerogels and hydrophobic aerogel articles are also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making uncrosslinked foams by polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. The foams may be polymized with photoinitiators, thermal initiators, or redox initiators. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making uncrosslinked foams by polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. The foams may be polymized with photoinitiators, thermal initiators, or redox initiators. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: The coated pattern is formed from a consumable pattern, preferably polystyrene, and is adapted to be decomposed and replaced by molten metal to form a casting. The improved coating is the dried residue of an aqueous coating formed from water, refractory particles, and from between about 25 wt-% and 75 wt-% organic polymer on a non-volatile solids basis (i.e., dry film basis). Lustrous carbon is reduced when casting iron.