Abstract: Oxygen-sensing materials and methods are disclosed. The materials include oxygen-sensing chromophores embedded in a solid matrix including silk fibroin in an amount by weight of at least 50% of the total weight of the solid matrix. The solid matrix possesses at least partial transparency at relevant wavelengths. The solid matrix is biocompatible and biodegradable. The solid matrix is not a hydrogel. The chromophores are distributed throughout the solid matrix. Tissue oxygenation can be estimated from phosphorescence measurements made from oxygen-sensing materials implanted in subject.

Abstract: A woven textile includes a first outer layer formed entirely from a cotton material; a second outer layer positioned opposite the first outer layer, the second outer layer formed from the cotton material; and at least one inner layer positioned between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The at least one inner layer is formed from a blend of cotton material and polyester material, and the at least one inner layer includes a first edge portion formed from the cotton material or the blend of cotton material and polyester material, a second edge portion positioned opposite the first edge portion, the second edge portion formed entirely from the cotton material or the blend of cotton material and polyester material, and a central portion positioned between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The central portion is formed from the polyester material or a blend of cotton material and polyester material.

Abstract: Multi-layer woven textiles may include a first outer layer formed entirely from a cotton material, and a second outer layer positioned opposite the first outer layer. The second outer layer may be formed entirely from the cotton material. Additionally, the woven textiles may include at least one inner layer positioned between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The at least one inner layer may be formed from the cotton material, and a polyester material. The polyester material may be separated from the cotton material within the at least one inner layer.

Abstract: Multi-layer woven textiles formed from various materials and towels formed from the multi-layer woven textiles are disclosed. The woven textiles may include a first outer layer formed entirely from a cotton material, and a second outer layer positioned opposite the first outer layer. The second outer layer may be formed entirely from the cotton material. Additionally, the woven textiles may include at least one inner layer positioned between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The at least one inner layer may be formed from the cotton material, and a polyester material. The polyester material may be separated from the cotton material within the at least one inner layer.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: A sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone polymer and copolymer. The sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone polymer and copolymer comprises the reaction product of an aromatic dihalo functionality sulfonated monomer, an aromatic dithiol monomer, and optionally an aromatic dihalo functionality monomer. The invention also relates to methods of making the sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone polymer and copolymer, and to membranes made from the sulfonated polyarylenethioethersulfone polymer and copolymer.

Abstract: Polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions incorporating cycloaliphatic units are provided which may be used as a polymeric binders in thermal control coatings for use in space environments. A method is also provided for synthesizing the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions. A method is also provided for synthesizing the monomeric compositions used to make the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions.

Abstract: An improved spool assembly for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices. The spool assembly includes two spool halves each having external surfaces and a generally flat internal surface, a unitary and integral internal member made of an electrically conductive material and having a link-wire portion and two electrical terminal portions, and an external wrap-wire wound around the two spool halves and having a connecting end connected to the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member such that the wrap-wire tightly binds the two spool halves together to form a spool for retaining an external structural member.