Abstract: Disclosed are piezoelectric compositions and films with high D33 values and improved surface smoothness, scratch resistance and/or adhesion. The compositions and films can have a combination of benefits over the prior art compositions and films by having two different polymers (i.e., EVA and PVDF-TrFE-CFE) blended into a polymer matrix, to which is added piezoelectric additives like PZT, BaTiO3, etc. at greater than 70-90 wt. % loading. Devices utilizing the compositions and films are also disclosed. Such devices can include sensors, transducers, actuators, or wearable devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the production of microbe-enhanced fertilizers. In certain embodiments, creation of microbe-enhanced fertilizers comprises incorporation of conditioned and/or otherwise protected microorganisms prior to and/or during the fertilizer granulation process. In some embodiments, compositions disclosed herein and/or produced through methods described herein are more economical, have better shelf-life, and/or improved bioavailability relative to otherwise comparable fertilizers comprising microorganism.

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite material is formed from a cellulosic material and an inorganic piezoelectric material dispersed in a piezoelectric polymer. The piezoelectric polymer of the composite material has a dielectric constant of from 10 or more. A method of making a piezoelectric is also disclosed wherein a matrix of a cellulosic material, an inorganic piezoelectric material, and a piezoelectric polymer material is formed. The matrix is formed into a piezoelectric composite body.

Abstract: Piezoelectric composites are described. A piezoelectric composite can include a polymeric matrix, piezoelectric additive(s), and polyol. Methods of making and using the piezoelectric composite are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fertilizer compositions comprising: a nitrogen or phosphorus-based fertilizer; and a plant additive encapsulated by a polysaccharide polymer forming an encapsulated plant additive composite, wherein the plant additive comprises a macronutrient, a micronutrient, a biostimulant, a plant growth hormone, or a combination thereof, and wherein the encapsulated plant additive composite encapsulates the nitrogen or phosphorus-based fertilizer to provide the fertilizer composition, wherein the fertilizer composition exhibits a comparable corn and grain yield compared to a bulk urea fertilizer when applied at a lower concentration to a maize via soil or foliar application.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fertilizer compositions formed by a method comprising reacting an aqueous polysaccharide and cross-linking agent to provide a polysaccharide polymer scaffold: reacting the polysaccharide polymer scaffold with a plant additive under conditions effective to form a polysaccharide nanocomposite; and combing the polysaccharide nanocomposite with a urea fertilizer to form an aqueous urea-polysaccharide nanocomposite solution; and evaporating or freeze drying the urea-polysaccharide nanocomposite solution to provide a urea-polysaccharide nanocomposite. The urea-polysaccharide nanocomposite may be applied to soil as the fertilizer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fertilizer compositions comprising: a nitrogen-based fertilizer: and a benzothiazole derivative represented by the general Formula (I). The nitrogen-based fertilizer and benzothiazole derivative are comprised of a melt admixture or the nitrogen-based fertilizer comprises granules and the benzoquinone derivative is coated on the granules. A soil treated with the fertilizer composition exhibits a nitrogen loss of less than 20% over a 21-day period when measured via ammonia volatilization of the treated soil.

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite material is formed from a cellulosic material and an inorganic piezoelectric material dispersed in a piezoelectric polymer. The piezoelectric polymer of the composite material has a dielectric constant of from 10 or more. A method of making a piezoelectric is also disclosed wherein a matrix of a cellulosic material, an inorganic piezoelectric material, and a piezoelectric polymer material is formed. The matrix is formed into a piezoelectric composite body.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging polymeric compositions that possess an improved oxygen scavenging capability and can be formed into transparent/translucent thin films are disclosed. A composition can include iron powder, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) and glycerol dispersed in polyethylene. Such compositions are useful for creating packaging films with improved oxygen scavenging capability.

Abstract: A polymer composite thin film exhibiting piezoelectric properties may include a polymer matrix with base material of Polyoxymethylene (POM) and a piezoelectric additive of greater than approximately five (5) percent by weight of the polymer composite thin film. The piezoelectric additives may include BaTiO3 and KNN. The polymer composite thin film exhibits piezoelectric characteristics and may be used in electronic devices in piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed are piezoelectric compositions and films with high D33 values and improved surface smoothness, scratch resistance and/or adhesion. The compositions and films can have a combination of benefits over the prior art compositions and films by having two different polymers (i.e., EVA and PVDF-TrFE-CFE) blended into a polymer matrix, to which is added piezoelectric additives like PZT, BaTiO3, etc. at greater than 70-90 wt. % loading. Devices utilizing the compositions and films are also disclosed. Such devices can include sensors, transducers, actuators, or wearable devices.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging polymeric compositions that possess an improved oxygen scavenging capability and can be formed into transparent/translucent thin films are disclosed. A composition can include iron powder, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) and glycerol dispersed in polyethylene. Such compositions are useful for creating packaging films with improved oxygen scavenging capability.

Abstract: Piezoelectric composites are described. A piezoelectric composite can include a polymeric matrix, piezoelectric additive(s), and polyol. Methods of making and using the piezoelectric composite are also described.

Abstract: A polymer composite thin film exhibiting piezoelectric properties may include a polymer matrix with base material of Polyoxymethylene (POM) and a piezoelectric additive of greater than approximately five (5) percent by weight of the polymer composite thin film. The piezoelectric additives may include BaTiO3 and KNN. The polymer composite thin film exhibits piezoelectric characteristics and may be used in electronic devices in piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric sensors.

Abstract: A photochromic dye comprising at least one compound characterized by Formula I:

Abstract: A photochromic dye comprising at least one compound characterized by Formula I:

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to relates to copolymer compositions comprising domains of polycarbonate and polyacrylate, and to methods of preparing the copolymers, wherein the method comprises reacting a polycarbonate macroinitator with a vinyl monomer by atom transfer radical polymerization. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to relates to copolymer compositions comprising domains of polycarbonate and polyacrylate, and to methods of preparing the copolymers, wherein the method comprises reacting a polycarbonate macroinitator with a vinyl monomer by atom transfer radical polymerization. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.