Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition that can be used to make liquid crystalline networks using thiol-ene-based polymerization. In particular embodiments, the liquid crystalline networks can be formed by using the composition embodiments in additive manufacturing methods. The composition comprises a monomer, chain extender compound, and a crosslinker compound and each of these components can be selected so as to influence the thermomechanical and shape memory properties of the liquid crystalline networks and/or objects formed therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition that can be used to make liquid crystalline networks using thiol-ene-based polymerization. In particular embodiments, the liquid crystalline networks can be formed by using the composition embodiments in additive manufacturing methods. The composition comprises a monomer, chain extender compound, and a crosslinker compound and each of these components can be selected so as to influence the thermomechanical and shape memory properties of the liquid crystalline networks and/or objects formed therewith.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating buckypaper or similar sheets of nanostructures having relatively high aspect ratios. A dispersion of nanostructures such as nanotubes is subjected to fluid dynamics/forces which promote alignment of their axes of elongation while in suspension in the flow. An agglomeration of better aligned nanostructures is isolated from the carrier fluid into a useable form. In the case of nanotubes, one form is buckypaper. One example of alignment forces is Taylor-Couette flow shear forces. One example of isolation is filtering the flowing dispersion to collect better aligned nanostructures across the filter into a sheet or film. The degree of alignment can produce anisotropic material properties that can be beneficially used in application of the sheet or film.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating buckypaper or similar sheets of nanostructures having relatively high aspect ratios. A dispersion of nanostructures such as nanotubes is subjected to fluid dynamics/forces which promote alignment of their axes of elongation while in suspension in the flow. An agglomeration of better aligned nanostructures is isolated from the carrier fluid into a useable form. In the case of nanotubes, one form is buckypaper. One example of alignment forces is Taylor-Couette flow shear forces. One example of isolation is filtering the flowing dispersion to collect better aligned nanostructures across the filter into a sheet or film. The degree of alignment can produce anisotropic material properties that can be beneficially used in application of the sheet or film.

Abstract: A composite plug system and a process to repair a hole in a tubular pipe. The process includes the steps of inserting a fastener through an opening in an oblong inner plate having an elongated diameter and a shorter diameter. The oblong plate is inserted into the pipe hole wherein the elongated diameter is greater than a diameter of the pipe hole and wherein the shorter diameter is less than the pipe hole diameter so that the oblong plate is within the tubular pipe beneath the hole. An initially liquid adhesive filler is applied over the oblong inner plate over the pipe hole. An outer plate having a central opening and a diameter larger than the pipe hole diameter is affixed over the pipe hole so that the central opening receives the fastener. The outer plate is secured to the oblong inner plate and the tubular pipe with the fastener until the adhesive filler solidifies. After the filler solidifies, the oblong plate and the outer plate are structurally bonded to the pipe wall through adhesion.

Abstract: An intumescent coating in the form of an initially liquid coating which cures to a solid and adheres to a substrate. The coating includes a flexible thermosetting epoxy, such as diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA), with an aliphatic amine curing agent, expandable graphite flakes with reagent chemicals that react upon heating and decompose into gaseous products, and fumed silica. In the presence of heat or flame, an intumescent layer develops at the coating surface, insulating the substrate. The coating is found to add intumescent characteristics which provide heat resistant and fire retardant qualities.

Abstract: A composite material, contains a polymer, a polymerizer, a corresponding catalyst for the polymerizer, and a plurality of capsules. The polymerizer is in the capsules. The composite material is self-healing.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber-reinforced composite comprises dispensing a reactive liquid into a mold. The mold comprises fibers and a single-component activator on the fibers. The reactive liquid comprises a cyclic olefin, and the mold comprises fibers and a single-component ROMP activator on the fibers. Composites formed by the method may have high fiber densities.

Abstract: A composite material, contains a polymer, a polymerizer, a corresponding catalyst for the polymerizer, and a plurality of capsules. The polymerizer is in the capsules. The composite material is self-healing.

Abstract: A composite material, contains a polymer, a polymerizer, a corresponding catalyst for the polymerizer, and a plurality of capsules. The polymerizer is in the capsules. The composite material is self-healing.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber-reinforced composite comprises dispensing a reactive liquid into a mold. The mold comprises fibers and a single-component activator on the fibers. The reactive liquid comprises a cyclic olefin, and the mold comprises fibers and a single-component ROMP activator on the fibers. Composites formed by the method may have high fiber densities.

Abstract: A composite material, contains a polymer, a polymerizer, a corresponding catalyst for the polymerizer, and a plurality of capsules. The polymerizer is in the capsules. The composite material is self-healing.