Abstract: Photo-active cross-linkers derived from a tris(azobenzene)-containing compound with the following generic structure: wherein for meta-azo substitution, R is equal to H, and for para-azo substitution, R is selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, CF3, and CH3.

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 novel ether-ketone hyperbranched polymers that are prepared from polymerizing trimesic acid and bifunctional phenylether-based liquid or low-melting monomers, which melt at or below polymerization temperature. The resulting copolymer has repeating units of the formula: wherein m is the degree of polymerization; n has a value of 0-5; the ratio x:y corresponds to the molar ratio of trimesic acid and arylether monomer and may range from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:1.5 (i.e. x=1, y=1.0, 1.1, 1.2 . . . 1.5); and the substitution pattern of the arylether segment may be para or meta. The endgroups may be carboxylic acid (—CO2H), oxyphenyl (—OPh), or mixture of both moieties, depending on the reaction ratio x:y used. The total number of endgroups is typically defined by m+1.

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: Diphenylamine-benzobisthiazole-diphenylamine monomers having two-photon absorption cross-sections and high solubility in organic solvents are provided. Also provided are the corresponding organo-soluble, wholly conjugated and two-photon absorbing benzobisthiazole-triarylamine polymers.

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 method of synthesizing a two-photon active tris(diarylamino-9,9-di(R)fluorenyl)-1,3,5-triazine compound having the structure: where Y is hydrogen, a thermally self-polymerizable acrylic, or a methacrylic group; R is an alkyl group of the formula —CmH2m+1, wherein the subscript m ranges from 1 to 6, or an alkylether group of the formula —(CH2CH2O)pMe, wherein the subscript p ranges from 1 to 5; R? is an alkyl group; and the R?—(OY)x groups are attached to the phenyl rings of the triarylamine moiety either in a para position or a meta position and the subscript x ranges from 1 to 3. The compound may be synthesized by (a) synthesizing a diarylamine intermediate, (b) synthesizing a brominated 1,3,5-triazine intermediate as a three-arm core structure, and (c) forming the two-photon active tris(diarylamino-9,9-di(R)fluorenyl)-1,3,5-triazine compound by covalently joining the diarylamine and each arm of the three-arm core structure and removing the acetone protecting groups.

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: Two-photon absorbing (2PA), cross-linked polyurethanes were prepared from bis(isocyanato) monomers, tris(isocyanato) monomers or a mixture thereof, in conjunction with novel polyol molecules with donor-acceptor octupolar geometry, whose generic structure is comprised of an electron-accepting 1,3,5-triazine hub with three spokes constituted by electron-donating triarylalkylamine end-groups, which are polyfunctionalized with thermally reactive alcohol functions. The resulting neat glassy or rubbery solids are applicable in a wide range of linear and nonlinear optical applications.

Abstract: Provided are novel polyimides, poly(amide-imides) and polyamides, which are generated from new two photon diamino-monomers of the formula: wherein para or meta X—C6H4—O— and X?NH2; and CnHn+1 is either a straight or branched alkyl chain, and wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a two-photon active tris(diarylamino-9,9-di(R)fluorenyl)-1,3,5-triazine compound having the structure: where Y is hydrogen, a thermally self-polymerizable acrylic, or a methacrylic group; R is an alkyl group of the formula —CmH2m+1, wherein the subscript m ranges from 1 to 6, or an alkylether group of the formula —(CH2CH2O)pMe, wherein the subscript p ranges from 1 to 5; R? is an alkyl group; and the R?—(OY)x groups are attached to the phenyl rings of the triarylamine moiety either in a para position or a meta position and the subscript x ranges from 1 to 3. The compound may be synthesized by (a) synthesizing a diarylamine intermediate, (b) synthesizing a brominated 1,3,5-triazine intermediate as a three-arm core structure, and (c) forming the two-photon active tris(diarylamino-9,9-di(R)fluorenyl)-1,3,5-triazine compound by covalently joining the diarylamine and each arm of the three-arm core structure and removing the acetone protecting groups.

Abstract: Provided are novel 2PA-active monomers of the formula: wherein Y?H, acrylic or methacrylic moiety; R is a linear or branched alkyl group, —CmH2m+1, where m=1-6 or an alkylether group, —(CH2CH2O)pMe, where p=1-5. The number of R?—(OH)x groups, attached to the phenyl rings of the triarylamine moiety either in a para or a meta position, could be 3 or 6 per molecule, or mixtures of molecules containing 3, 4, 5, 6 in various ratios and wherein x=1, 2, or 3. R? is a linear or branched alkyl group such as —CmH2m, where m=1-6, i.e. linear —(CH2)m, where m=2-6, or branched alkyl group such as —CH2CH(R?)—, where R??—(CH2)lCH3, where l=2-6.

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: Two-photon absorbing arylamine-endcapped and dialkylfluorene-bridged benzobisthiazole-based compounds are provided. These two-photon absorbing benzobisthiazole-based compounds show high solubility in nonpolar hydrocarbon solvents (oleophilicity) and high two-photon properties, especially in the nanosecond domain of pulse-laser excitation.

Abstract: A poly(ether-ketone) composite of the formula: wherein DND is detonation nanodiamond particle; wherein Ar represents ether-ketone repeating groups of the formula wherein Q is —O— or —O—(CH2)n—O—, wherein n has a value of 2-12; wherein R is —H, —CH3, or —C2H5, m has a value of 1 or 2; wherein R? is —H or —CH3; and wherein — denotes the presence of a direct C—C bond between Ar and DND. Also provided is a process for preparing the nanocomposites.

Abstract: Two-photon absorbing (2PA), cross-linked polyurethanes were prepared from bis(isocyanato) monomers, tris(isocyanato) monomers or a mixture of bis(isocyanato) and tris(isocyanato) monomers, in conjunction with a novel polyol molecules with donor-acceptor octupolar geometry, whose generic structure is comprised of an electron-accepting 1,3,5-triazine hub with three spokes constituted by electron-donating triarylalkylamine end-groups, which are polyfunctionalized with thermally reactive alcohol functions. The resulting neat glassy or rubbery solids are applicable in a wide range of linear & nonlinear optical applications.

Abstract: Provided are hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)-based nanocomposites with the following generic formula: wherein n is the degree of polymerization and R is carboxylic acid (COOH) and various functional groups that could be derived from COOH, such as benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, esters, and amines. Also provided are a process for preparing the above composite and a chain-end conversion methodology to tailor thermal and solubility properties.