Abstract: Thermally cross-linkable photo-hydrolyzable inkjet printable polymers are used to print microfluidic channels layer-by-layer on a substrate. In one embodiment, for each layer, an inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of hydrophobic polymer and cross-linking agent in a pattern lying outside a two-dimensional layout of the channels, and another inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of poly(tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate) PTHPMA (or another hydrophobic polymer which hydrolyzes to form a hydrophilic material), cross-linking agent, and a photoacid generator (PAG) in a pattern lying inside the two-dimensional layout of the channels. After all layers are printed, flood exposure of the entire substrate to UV radiation releases acid from the PAG which hydrolyzes PTHPMA to form hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid) PMAA, thereby rendering the PTHPMA regions hydrophilic. The layers of these now-hydrophilic patterned regions together define the microfluidic channels. The cross-linking agent (e.g.

Abstract: Thermally cross-linkable photo-hydrolyzable inkjet printable polymers are used to print microfluidic channels layer-by-layer on a substrate. In one embodiment, for each layer, an inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of hydrophobic polymer and cross-linking agent in a pattern lying outside a two-dimensional layout of the channels, and another inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of poly(tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate) PTHPMA (or another hydrophobic polymer which hydrolyzes to form a hydrophilic material), cross-linking agent, and a photoacid generator (PAG) in a pattern lying inside the two-dimensional layout of the channels. After all layers are printed, flood exposure of the entire substrate to UV radiation releases acid from the PAG which hydrolyzes PTHPMA to form hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid) PMAA, thereby rendering the PTHPMA regions hydrophilic. The layers of these now-hydrophilic patterned regions together define the microfluidic channels. The cross-linking agent (e.g.

Abstract: A bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler imparts flame retardancy to manufactured articles such as connectors and other articles of manufacture that employ thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(trimethoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant.

Abstract: A flame retardant filler includes a bridged polysilsesquioxane prepared by sol-gel polymerization. In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(trimethoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant.

Abstract: A bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler imparts flame retardancy to printed circuit boards (PCBs). In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(trimethoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant. In an embodiment of the present invention, a PCB laminate stack-up includes conductive planes separated from each other by a dielectric material that includes a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler.

Abstract: An enhanced thermal interface material (TIM) gap filler for filling a gap between two substrates (e.g., between a coldplate and an electronics module) includes microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which are distributed in a TIM gap filler, each have a shell that encapsulates a solvent. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. In one embodiment, (3-aminopropyl) trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles are incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. To enable easy removal of one substrate affixed to another substrate by the enhanced TIM gap filler, the substrates are positioned within a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a composite material is prepared by blending a bio-derived filler into a polymer, wherein the filler includes a diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) functionalized to contain a diene) and a dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., CNCs and/or CNFs functionalized to contain a dienophile). The modulus of the composite material is reversibly controllable by adjusting a degree of crosslinking between the diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial and the dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial. This degree of crosslinking is thermally reversible. On one hand, the degree of crosslinking may be increased via a Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction at a first temperature, thereby increasing the modulus of the composite material.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a composite material is prepared by blending a bio-derived filler into a polymer, wherein the filler includes a diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) functionalized to contain a diene) and a dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., CNCs and/or CNFs functionalized to contain a dienophile). The modulus of the composite material is reversibly controllable by adjusting a degree of crosslinking between the diene-modified cellulosic nanomaterial and the dienophile-modified cellulosic nanomaterial. This degree of crosslinking is thermally reversible. On one hand, the degree of crosslinking may be increased via a Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction at a first temperature, thereby increasing the modulus of the composite material.

Abstract: An enhanced thermal interface material (TIM) gap filler for filling a gap between two substrates (e.g., between a coldplate and an electronics module) includes microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which are distributed in a TIM gap filler, each have a shell that encapsulates a solvent. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. In one embodiment, (3-aminopropyl) trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles are incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. To enable easy removal of one substrate affixed to another substrate by the enhanced TIM gap filler, the substrates are positioned within a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in water are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in natural gas liquids (NGLs), diesel fuel and gasoline are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane.

Abstract: A flame retardant filler having brominated silica particles, for example, imparts flame retardancy to manufactured articles such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors, and other articles of manufacture that employ thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. In this example, brominated silica particles serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant. In an exemplary application, a PCB laminate stack-up includes conductive planes separated from each other by a dielectric material that includes a flame retardant filler comprised of brominated silica particles. In an exemplary method of synthesizing the brominated silica particles, a monomer having a brominated aromatic functional group is reacted with functionalized silica particles (e.g., isocyanate, vinyl, amine, or epoxy functionalized silica particles).

Abstract: A bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler imparts flame retardancy to manufactured articles such as connectors and other articles of manufacture that employ thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(tri-methoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant.

Abstract: A bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler imparts flame retardancy to printed circuit boards (PCBs). In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(trimethoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant. In an embodiment of the present invention, a PCB laminate stack-up includes conductive planes separated from each other by a dielectric material that includes a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler.

Abstract: A flame retardant filler includes a bridged polysilsesquioxane prepared by sol-gel polymerization. In an exemplary synthetic method, a bridged polysilsesquioxane-based flame retardant filler is prepared by sol-gel polymerization of a monomer having two or more trialkoxysilyl groups attached to an organic bridging group that contains a fire retardant group (e.g., a halogen atom, a phosphinate, a phosphonate, a phosphate ester, and combinations thereof). Bridged polysilsesquioxane particles formed by sol-gel polymerization of (((2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(trimethoxysilane), for example, and follow-on sol-gel processing may serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in fluids (e.g., air, natural gas, and other gases, as well as water and other liquids) are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter/bath. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the membrane before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems. In another embodiment, a silicone-based chemical bath includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber containing a silicone oil. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the silicone oil in the chamber before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems.

Abstract: Controlled release of one or more agricultural chemicals is provided by microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which may be applied to soil, seeds and/or plants, each have a shell that encapsulates an agricultural chemical, such as a fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. For example, (3-aminopropyl)trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles may be incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. In one embodiment, microcapsules encapsulating a fertilizer are applied during seed planting. Controlled release is subsequently triggered after an appropriate period of dormancy by positioning a magnetic field generating device proximate the microcapsules to generate a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for removing residual BPA from a residual BPA-containing substance and a method for making a container with residual BPA removed. The method may consist of preparing a stabilization reagent, wherein water is removed from the stabilization reagent. The method may also include preparing the residual BPA-containing substance. The method may also include reacting the residual BPA-containing substance in a melt condensation process with the stabilization reagent, wherein the stabilization reagent is non-toxic.

Abstract: Controlled release of one or more agricultural chemicals is provided by microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which may be applied to soil, seeds and/or plants, each have a shell that encapsulates an agricultural chemical, such as a fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. For example, (3-aminopropyl)trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles may be incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. In one embodiment, microcapsules encapsulating a fertilizer are applied during seed planting. Controlled release is subsequently triggered after an appropriate period of dormancy by positioning a magnetic field generating device proximate the microcapsules to generate a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Controlled release of one or more agricultural chemicals is provided by microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which may be applied to soil, seeds and/or plants, each have a shell that encapsulates an agricultural chemical, such as a fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. For example, (3-aminopropyl) trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles may be incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. In one embodiment, microcapsules encapsulating a fertilizer are applied during seed planting. Controlled release is subsequently triggered after an appropriate period of dormancy by positioning a magnetic field generating device proximate the microcapsules to generate a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.