Abstract: A flame retardant epoxy resin composition for preparing a flame retardant fiber composite including: (a) at least one epoxy resin; (b) at least one flame retardant agent for improving the flammability performance of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites; (c) at least one mold release agent; (d) at least one curing agent; and (e) at least one catalyst; a prepreg prepared using the above epoxy resin composition; and a flame retardant fiber composite prepared using the above prepreg.

Abstract: A flame retardant epoxy resin composition for preparing a flame retardant fiber composite including: (a) at least one epoxy resin; (b) at least one flame retardant agent for improving the flammability performance of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites; (c) at least one mold release agent; (d) at least one curing agent; and (e) at least one catalyst; a prepreg prepared using the above epoxy resin composition; and a flame retardant fiber composite prepared using the above prepreg.

Abstract: The surface of a carbon fiber is electrochemically treated by a method to form nitrogen containing groups on the surface of the carbon fiber. The method comprises contacting a carbon fiber surface with an aqueous solution comprised of a non-cyclic aliphatic amine and water soluble inorganic hydroxide with said aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9. A positive electrical bias is then applied to the carbon fibers in the aqueous solution relative to another electrode in contact with the aqueous solution, wherein the positive electrical bias is at a voltage above the oxidation potential of water. The treated carbon fibers are useful for making epoxy reinforced carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: The surface of a carbon fiber is electrochemically treated by a method to form nitrogen containing groups on the surface of the carbon fiber. The method comprises contacting a carbon fiber surface with an aqueous solution comprised of a non-cyclic aliphatic amine and water soluble inorganic hydroxide with said aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9. A positive electrical bias is then applied to the carbon fibers in the aqueous solution relative to another electrode in contact with the aqueous solution, wherein the positive electrical bias is at a voltage above the oxidation potential of water. The treated carbon fibers are useful for making epoxy reinforced carbon fiber composites.

Abstract: Manganese oxide nanoparticles having a chemical composition that includes Mn3O4, a sponge like morphology and a particle size from about 65 to about 95 nanometers may be formed by calcining a manganese hydroxide material at a temperature from about 200 to about 400 degrees centigrade for a time period from about 1 to about 20 hours in an oxygen containing environment. The particular manganese oxide nanoparticles with the foregoing physical features may be used within a battery component, and in particular an anode within a lithium battery to provide enhanced performance.

Abstract: Manganese oxide nanoparticles having a chemical composition that includes Mn3O4, a sponge like morphology and a particle size from about 65 to about 95 nanometers may be formed by calcining a manganese hydroxide material at a temperature from about 200 to about 400 degrees centigrade for a time period from about 1 to about 20 hours in an oxygen containing environment. The particular manganese oxide nanoparticles with the foregoing physical features may be used within a battery component, and in particular an anode within a lithium battery to provide enhanced performance.