Abstract: A flexible-to-rigid tube is flexible when routed and is then rigidized to increase burst strength. According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flexible-to-rigid tube is included in a cooling plate assembly for transferring heat from electronic components mounted on a circuit board. In one embodiment, the flexible-to-rigid tube (while in a flexible state) includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other silicone containing pendant or terminal epoxy, vinyl and/or acrylate functional groups and an initiator (e.g., a sulfonium salt photoinitiator, a free radical photoinitiator, or a thermal initiator). In another embodiment, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and an initiator are incorporated into a conventional PVC-based tubing material. The flexible-to-rigid tube changes from the flexible state to a rigid state via formation of a cross-linked network upon exposure to actinic radiation or heat.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle shifter assembly having a retainer ring between a housing and an instrument panel or console. The retainer ring includes a fluid diverter system configured to guide fluid away from predetermined shifter assembly component(s).

Abstract: A flexible-to-rigid tube is flexible when routed and is then rigidized to increase burst strength. According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flexible-to-rigid tube is included in a cooling plate assembly for transferring heat from electronic components mounted on a circuit board. In one embodiment, the flexible-to-rigid tube (while in a flexible state) includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other silicone containing pendant or terminal epoxy, vinyl and/or acrylate functional groups and an initiator (e.g., a sulfonium salt photoinitiator, a free radical photoinitiator, or a thermal initiator). In another embodiment, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and an initiator are incorporated into a conventional PVC-based tubing material. The flexible-to-rigid tube changes from the flexible state to a rigid state via formation of a cross-linked network upon exposure to actinic radiation or heat.

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: The chip stack of semiconductor chips with enhanced cooling apparatus includes a first chip with circuitry on a first side and a second chip electrically and mechanically coupled to the first chip by a grid of connectors. The chip stack further includes a thermal interface material pad between the first chip and the second chip. The thermal interface material pad comprises a plurality of nanotubes containing a magnetic material, aligned parallel to mating surfaces of the first chip and the second chip, wherein a hydrophobic tail of oleic acid is wrapped around each one of the plurality of nanotubes and a hydrophilic acid head of the oleic acid is attached to the magnetic material.

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.