Abstract: A composite material of particles disposed in a matrix material is provided in which the particles have an asymmetric geometric shape with a longest dimension and a shortest dimension different from the longest dimension. Adjacent volume portions of the composite material are arranged in a mosaic pattern to abut along an interface or surface forming a common boundary between the adjacent volume portions. The particles within the adjacent volume portions are arranged with differing orientations with respect to the interface. The orientations of the particles in the adjacent volume portions are selected so that a crack propagating on a crack propagation path through one or the other of the adjacent volume portions stops at or deflects to propagate along the interface. Methods of making composite materials are also provided.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing molded ceramic composite materials, a preform of a ceramic composite material is provided in which ceramic particles having a platelet configuration are formed within a ceramic matrix. The preform is thermoformed within a mold by heating to a temperature greater than a melting or softening temperature of the ceramic matrix and applying a load to deform the preform to form the molded ceramic composite material in a desired configuration. The process is used to fabricate precisely molded ceramic composite materials and devices containing them. The materials and devices can be used for thermal management, such as for electronic components and other heat generating structures.

Abstract: Provided are methods and flow reactors for the production of covetic materials under continuous flow conditions.

Abstract: In an aspect, a layered phase change composite comprises a phase change layer comprising a phase change material, a plurality of boron nitride particles, and a binder; and a first capping layer and a second capping layer located on opposing sides of the phase change layer. In another aspect, a method of making the layered phase change composite comprises forming the first capping layer from a first composition; forming the phase change layer from a phase change composition, wherein the forming the phase change layer comprises vibrating the phase change composition on a 3-directional vibration stage; and forming the second capping layer from a second composition.

Abstract: Composite multilayered material compositions are provided which contain one or more hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-containing layers, together with layers comprising optional polymeric binders, glass fibers, magneto-ceramic materials, and a super-hydrophobic outer coating. Methods are provided for making the composite materials and products containing them. The composite materials are useful for making radomes and other coverings for electronic components and equipment.

Abstract: A composite material of particles disposed in a matrix material is provided in which the particles have an asymmetric geometric shape with a longest dimension and a shortest dimension different from the longest dimension. Adjacent volume portions of the composite material are arranged in a mosaic pattern to abut along an interface or surface forming a common boundary between the adjacent volume portions. The particles within the adjacent volume portions are arranged with differing orientations with respect to the interface. The orientations of the particles in the adjacent volume portions are selected so that a crack propagating on a crack propagation path through one or the other of the adjacent volume portions stops at or deflects to propagate along the interface. Methods of making composite materials are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a composite part, such as a reinforced composite part, are provided that enable control over the fiber or other particle orientation within each layer of the part during manufacture. The apparatus and method employ a print head including a dispensing tip and a magnetic assembly controllable to apply a magnetic field at a print location adjacent the dispensing tip outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite part are provided to enable composite parts to be assembled with precise control over the orientation and spatial distribution of reinforcing or other particles within a matrix material. The method and apparatus use magnetic fields applied during various additive manufacturing processes to achieve complex particles orientations within each layer of the part. The composite parts can achieve enhanced properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a composite part, such as a reinforced composite part, are provided that enable control over the fiber or other particle orientation within each layer of the part during manufacture. The apparatus and method employ a print head including a dispensing tip and a magnetic assembly controllable to apply a magnetic field at a print location adjacent the dispensing tip outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite part are provided to enable composite parts to be assembled with precise control over the orientation and spatial distribution of reinforcing or other particles within a matrix material. The method and apparatus use magnetic fields applied during various additive manufacturing processes to achieve complex particles orientations within each layer of the part. The composite parts can achieve enhanced properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties.