Abstract: Prepregs, core layers and composite articles comprising one or more flame retardant materials are described. In some instances, a thermoplastic composite article comprises a porous core layer comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers, a first thermoplastic material, and a second thermoplastic material from a compounded flame retardant material comprising the second thermoplastic material and a flame retardant material. In other instances, a thermoplastic composite article comprises a porous core layer comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers, a first thermoplastic material, expandable graphite materials and a group II metal hydroxide or a group III metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Prepregs, composites and articles comprising expandable graphite materials dispersed in a thermoplastic layer are described. In some instances, articles that can be used in an as-produced state may provide a desired sound absorption coefficient or a desired flame spread index, e.g., less than or equal to 25 as tested by ASTM E84 dated 2009. Methods of producing the articles are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to composite articles comprising a core layer and a film comprising a high viscosity thermoplastic layer and a tie layer. The articles can be used in automotive and/or aerospace applications to provide lightweight interior components such as a headliner, sidewall or other structural components. Cover layers and other layers can also be present on the articles to provide additional functionality or for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: Prepregs, composites and articles comprising expandable graphite materials dispersed in a thermoplastic layer are described. In some instances, a thermoplastic composite article comprises a porous core layer comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic material, and the porous core layer further comprises expandable graphite particles homogeneously dispersed in the porous core layer.

Abstract: One exemplary method includes providing a first polymer and a second polymer each comprising a first shape memory polymer backbone having at least one surface free side chain, the first polymer and the second polymer each transformable between a permanent shape and a temporary shape; creating an adhesive bond between the first polymer and the second polymer, wherein the creating of the adhesive bond transforms the first polymer to its temporary shape and transforms the second polymer to its temporary shape; and wherein the at least one surface free chain of the first polymer in its temporary shape is interdiffused with the at least one surface free chain of the second polymer in its temporary shape by the creation of the adhesive bond.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to composite materials comprising untwisted fibers. In some embodiments, the article can include a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and reinforcing fibers. In other embodiments, untwisted fibers can be disposed on the core layer. In certain examples, the article is effective to provide a Class A finish when painted.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to articles that provide less sag. In some examples, the articles can include a fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer core layer comprising reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic polymer, and a frim disposed on the fiber reinforced polymer core layer. In certain examples, the frim comprises a film coupled to a scrim comprising an effective basis weight to prevent substantial sag of the article, e.g., during a forming operation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer microfiber material coupled to a base portion and coated with a dry adhesive in which the tips of the microfibers may be modified to achieve superhydrophobicity. The resultant surface of the material may be altered between to an adhesive state from a superhydrophobic state as the shape memory polymer transforms from its permanent shape to a temporary shape. The shape memory polymer microfiber material may be reversibly coupled to one or more substrates when in the adhesive state and uncoupled when in the superhydrophobic state.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an attachment pad including a multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a shape memory polymer layer and a dry adhesive layer underlying the shape memory polymer layer, the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive having a curved surface when the shape memory polymer layer is below its glass transition temperature and unaffected by a load; and a means for evenly applying a load and/or detaching force on the perimeter of the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a spring.

Abstract: A particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The nanostructure comprises an inorganic nanoparticle coated with a capping agent and an organic crystalline rod nucleated on the capped inorganic nanoparticle in a one-dimensional growth pattern.

Abstract: A reversible adhesive system for coupling together two objects may consist of two shape memory polymers with molecular “hooks and loops” on the surfaces (i.e. the surface away from each of the objects). Utilizing the shape memory properties of the polymers, the molecular hooks and molecular loops may be brought together to form non-covalent bonds, leading to macroscopic adhesion. Upon heating, the adhesive bond can be separated with a small peeling force. The adhesive bonding and debonding can be repeated for multiple cycles with significant adhesion retention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method of joining two substrates with multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives and separating the two bonded substrates by completely thermally reversing the adhesion via heating.

Abstract: An assembly including and method of forming arbitrary localized wrinkles upon a surface utilizing a shape memory polymer substrate and rigid overlay, wherein the geometrical distribution of the wrinkles is produced by recovering a lateral strain history within the substrate and buckling the overlay, and the localized wrinkles are used to create, among other things, optically three-dimensional engaging surfaces, structural colors, modified surface texturing, and haptic alerts.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method of joining two substrates with multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives and separating the two bonded substrates by completely thermally reversing the adhesion via heating.

Abstract: One exemplary method includes providing a first polymer and a second polymer each comprising a first shape memory polymer backbone having at least one surface free side chain, the first polymer and the second polymer each transformable between a permanent shape and a temporary shape; creating an adhesive bond between the first polymer and the second polymer, wherein the creating of the adhesive bond transforms the first polymer to its temporary shape and transforms the second polymer to its temporary shape; and wherein the at least one surface free chain of the first polymer in its temporary shape is interdiffused with the at least one surface free chain of the second polymer in its temporary shape by the creation of the adhesive bond.

Abstract: A particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The nanostructure comprises an inorganic nanoparticle coated with a capping agent and an organic crystalline rod nucleated on the capped inorganic nanoparticle in a one-dimensional growth pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming a particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The method comprises preparing a mixture comprising an inorganic nanoparticle and an organic molecule in a solvent. The method further comprises spin-coating the mixture to nucleate a crystal growth of the organic molecule on the inorganic nanoparticle deposited on a substrate, yielding the particle-rod nanostructure.