Patents by Inventor Ramanan Krishnamoorti
Ramanan Krishnamoorti has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 8907000Abstract: A nanocomposite having a nanomaterial dispersed into a polymer matrix, in one embodiment exfoliated nanoclay dispersed in a polyurea matrix. A method of making PU-nanocomposites for coatings for improved mechanical properties, in one embodiment the method comprises obtaining and treating a nanomaterial, dispersing the nanomaterial into a pre-polymer matrix, mixing the pre-polymer matrix under heating to form a coating; and depositing the coating on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: University of Houston SystemInventors: Valery Khabashesku, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Baburaj Eranezhuth
-
Patent number: 8455583Abstract: The present invention is directed to carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites, i.e., nanocomposites, wherein the CNTs in such nanocomposites are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix, and wherein the nanocomposites comprise a compatibilizing surfactant that interacts with both the CNTs and the polymer matrix. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these nanocomposites. In some such methods, the compatibilizing surfactant provides initial CNT dispersion and subsequent mixing with a polymer. The present invention is also directed to methods of using these nanocomposites in a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: University of HoustonInventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Cynthia A. Mitchell, Jeffrey L. Bahr
-
Patent number: 7951864Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: University of HoustonInventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Tirtha Chatterjee, Koray Yurekli
-
Publication number: 20110081494Abstract: A nanocomposite having a nanomaterial dispersed into a polymer matrix, in one embodiment exfoliated nanoclay dispersed in a polyurea matrix. A method of making PU-nanocomposites for coatings for improved mechanical properties, in one embodiment the method comprises obtaining and treating a nanomaterial, dispersing the nanomaterial into a pre-polymer matrix, mixing the pre-polymer matrix under heating to form a coating; and depositing the coating on a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONInventors: Valery KHABASHESKU, Ramanan KRISHNAMOORTI, Baburaj ERANEZHUTH
-
Patent number: 7893148Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: University of HoustonInventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Tirtha Chatterjee, Koray Yurekli
-
Patent number: 7879940Abstract: The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes that can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: James M. Tour, Jared L. Hudson, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Koray Yurekli, Cynthia A. Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20100090175Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: The University of HoustonInventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Tirtha Chatterjee, Koray Yurekli
-
Patent number: 7638573Abstract: The present invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including blending a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight elastomer, and a clay to form a nanocomposite; wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including the steps of blending a low molecular weight elastomer and a clay to form a first mixture; blending a high molecular weight elastomer and the first mixture to form the nanocomposite; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000; and, wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wang, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Mun F. Tse, Anthony J. Dias, David Y. Chung, Alan A. Galuska
-
Patent number: 7605205Abstract: The invention provides for processes for preparing a nanocomposite compositions including the steps of: contacting a multifunctional intercalant including a cationic moiety separated from an anionic moiety by at least 1 carbon, with a clay at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to produce an at least partially intercalated clay; and contacting the at least partially intercalated clay with a functionalized interpolymer including one or more functional groups, at a temperature, and for a period of time sufficient to produce the nanocomposite compositions. Cured nanocomposite compositions, and articles including such nanocomposite compositions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.Inventors: Caiguo Gong, Anthony Jay Dias, Weiqing Weng, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Carmen Neagu, Molly Westermann Johnston, Beverly Jean Poole, Kriss Randall Karp
-
Publication number: 20090221738Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: NANORIDGE MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Tirtha Chatterjee, Koray Yurekli
-
Publication number: 20090030090Abstract: The present invention is directed to carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites, i.e., nanocomposites, wherein the CNTs in such nanocomposites are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix, and wherein the nanocomposites comprise a compatibilizing surfactant that interacts with both the CNTs and the polymer matrix. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these nanocomposites. In some such methods, the compatibilizing surfactant provides initial CNT dispersion and subsequent mixing with a polymer. The present invention is also directed to methods of using these nanocomposites in a variety of applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2005Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: University of HoustonInventors: Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Cynthia A. Mitchell, Jeffrey L. Bahr
-
Publication number: 20070238822Abstract: The present invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including blending a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight elastomer, and a clay to form a nanocomposite; wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including the steps of blending a low molecular weight elastomer and a clay to form a first mixture; blending a high molecular weight elastomer and the first mixture to form the nanocomposite; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000; and, wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2006Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventors: Hsien-Chang Wang, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Mun F. Tse, Anthony J. Dias, David Y. Chung, Alan A. Galuska
-
Publication number: 20070105998Abstract: The invention provides for processes for preparing a nanocomposite compositions including the steps of: contacting a multifunctional intercalant including a cationic moiety separated from an anionic moiety by at least 1 carbon, with a clay at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to produce an at least partially intercalated clay; and contacting the at least partially intercalated clay with a functionalized interpolymer including one or more functional groups, at a temperature, and for a period of time sufficient to produce the nanocomposite compositions. Cured nanocomposite compositions, and articles including such nanocomposite compositions are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2005Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Caiguo Gong, Anthony Dias, Weiqing Weng, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Carmen Neagu, Molly Johnston, Beverly Poole, Kriss Karp
-
Patent number: 7119146Abstract: Compatibilized blends of an isoolefin polymer and an unsaturated diene polymer are prepared by utilizing a compatibilizing agent comprising a block/graft copolymer containing poly- or copoly-isoolefin segments and C4 to C6 alkyl-substituted styrene polymer segments, such as poly(t-butylstyrene) segments.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Mun Fu Tse, Hsien Chang Wang, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Andy H. Tsou
-
Publication number: 20060142466Abstract: The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2004Publication date: June 29, 2006Inventors: James Tour, Jared Hudson, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Koray Yurekli, Cynthia Mitchell
-
Patent number: 6825281Abstract: The invention provides a thermoplastic composition of C4-C7 isoolefin copolymers including halomethylstyrene derived units blended with a hindered amine or phosphine of the structure R1 R2 R3 N or R1 R2 R3 P wherein R1, R2 and R3 are preferably lower and higher alkyl groups. The resulting ionically associated, amino or phosphine modified elastomers are used to prepare thermoplastic elastomer blend compositions, including dynamically vulcanized compositions, containing more finely dispersed elastomers which results in compositions having improved mechanical properties.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Mun Fu Tse, Hsien-Chang Wang, Pawan K. Agarwal, Ramanan Krishnamoorti
-
Publication number: 20040014856Abstract: The invention provides a thermoplastic composition of C4-C7 isoolefin copolymers including halomethylstyrene derived units blended with a hindered amine or phosphine of the structure R1 R2 R3 N or R1 R2 R3 P wherein R1, R2 and R3 are preferably lower and higher alkyl groups. The resulting ionically associated, amino or phosphine modified elastomers are used to prepare thermoplastic elastomer blend compositions, including dynamically vulcanized compositions, containing more finely dispersed elastomers which results in compositions having improved mechanical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Mun Fu Tse, Hsien-Chang Wang, Pawan K Agarwal, Ramanan Krishnamoorti
-
Publication number: 20030105227Abstract: Compatibilized blends of an isoolefin polymer and an unsaturated diene polymer are prepared by utilizing a compatibilizing agent comprising a block/graft copolymer containing poly- or copoly-isoolefin segments and C4 to C6 alkyl-substituted styrene polymer segments, such as poly(t-butylstyrene) segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Mun Fu Tse, Hsien Chang Wang, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Andy H. Tsou
-
Patent number: 6462131Abstract: Compatibilized blends of an isobutylene polymer and an unsaturated diene polymer are prepared by utilizing a compatibilizing agent comprising a block/graft copolymer containing polyisobutylene segments and C4 to C6 alkyl-substituted styrene polymer segments, such as poly(t-butylstyrene) segments.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Mun Fu Tse, Hsien Chang Wang, Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Andy H. Tsou