Abstract: An apparatus (e.g. a shape memory device) and/or methods thereof that may include employing a nano-particle layer, a linking agent layer, and a shape memory layer. An electrode for heating shape memory material during shape transitions of the shape memory layer may include the nano-particle layer and the linking agent layer. The nano-particle layer may include conductive nano-size particles (e.g. gold clusters having a diameter less than 100 nanometers or less than 50 nanometers). The electrode may be substantially resilient to deformation of the shape memory material due to individual bonding of individual particles of the nano-particle layer to the shape memory layer and/or the linking agent layer.

Abstract: An apparatus (and a method of making an apparatus) that includes a flexible functional material. The flexible functional material includes nano-particle layer(s) and linking agent layer(s). The nano-particle layer(s) are bonded to the linking agent layer(s). The nano-particle layer(s) and/or linking agent layer(s) are deposited by being sprayed. Since nano-particle layer(s) and/or linking agent layer(s) may be deposited by being sprayed, a flexible functional material may be easily formed on structures (e.g. such as external aircraft parts) to create a conductive surface. Through spraying, deposition may be efficient and effective and allow for implementations which are impractical and/or not possible with bulk metal materials.

Abstract: An apparatus (e.g. a shape memory device) that includes a nano-particle layer, a linking agent layer, and a shape memory layer. An electrode for heating shape memory material during shape transitions of the shape memory layer may include the nano-particle layer and the linking agent layer. The nano-particle layer may include conductive nano-size particles (e.g. gold clusters having a diameter less than 100 nanometers or less than 50 nanometers). The electrode may be substantially resilient to deformation of the shape memory material due to individual bonding of individual particles of the nano-particle layer to the shape memory layer and/or the linking agent layer.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing silver nano-particle colloid includes initiating formation of silver colloid nano-particles by combining a reduction solution and a silver nitrate solution in a container; and then stabilizing the silver colloid nano-particles by combining a stabilizing solution to the container. Thus a colloid can be produced using such a method and an electrostatic self assembly may be constructed using such a colloid.

Abstract: An apparatus (and a method of making the apparatus) that includes a substrate (e.g. a conductive and/or non-conductive material) and a plurality of nanorods (e.g. having a diameter less than 1000 nanometers) tethered to the substrate. The nanorods may be formed by forming the substrate on a mold (e.g. an inorganic membrane having a plurality of pores) and then depositing material on the substrate inside of the mold. Since the deposited material has a relatively low interaction with the mold and a relatively high interaction with the substrate, nanorods may be formed. After the nanorods are formed inside of the mold, the nanorods remain tethered to the substrate and the mold may be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus (and a method of making an apparatus) that includes a flexible functional material. The flexible functional material includes nano-particle layer(s) and linking agent layer(s). The nano-particle layer(s) are bonded to the linking agent layer(s). The nano-particle layer(s) and/or linking agent layer(s) are deposited by being sprayed. Since nano-particle layer(s) and/or linking agent layer(s) may be deposited by being sprayed, a flexible functional material may be easily formed on structures (e.g. such as external aircraft parts) to create a conductive surface. Through spraying, deposition may be efficient and effective and allow for implementations which are impractical and/or not possible with bulk metal materials.

Abstract: An apparatus (e.g. a shape memory device) that includes a nano-particle layer, a linking agent layer, and a shape memory layer. An electrode for heating shape memory material during shape transitions of the shape memory layer may include the nano-particle layer and the linking agent layer. The nano-particle layer may include conductive nano-size particles (e.g. gold clusters having a diameter less than 100 nanometers or less than 50 nanometers). The electrode may be substantially resilient to deformation of the shape memory material due to individual bonding of individual particles of the nano-particle layer to the shape memory layer and/or the linking agent layer.