Abstract: A process of utilizing a water-sensitive fluorophore for moisture content evaluation in a hygroscopic polymer includes forming a blend that includes a hygroscopic polymer resin and a water-sensitive fluorophore. The process includes forming pellets having a particular geometry from the blend, determining fluorescence properties of at least one of the pellets, and determining moisture content of at least one of the pellets. The process also includes generating a calibration curve for the particular pellet geometry by correlating the fluorescence properties with the moisture content. The process further includes providing the calibration curve for non-destructive moisture content evaluation of a material derived from the pellets.

Abstract: An approach to reduce thermal cycling fatigue associated with an identified component in an electrical system. The approach includes a controller determining power to the electrical system is turned off and initiating power from an external power source to one or more heating elements in a vicinity of the identified component. The approach includes a controller receiving a first temperature from one or more temperature sensors in the vicinity of the identified component and determining whether the first temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. Responsive to the controller determining that the first temperature is not within the predetermined temperature range, the approach includes the controller adjusting a power level of the one or more heating elements.

Abstract: An approach to reduce thermal cycling fatigue associated with an identified component in an electrical system. The approach includes a controller determining power to the electrical system is turned off and initiating power from an external power source to one or more heating elements in a vicinity of the identified component. The approach includes a controller receiving a first temperature from one or more temperature sensors in the vicinity of the identified component and determining whether the first temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. Responsive to the controller determining that the first temperature is not within the predetermined temperature range, the approach includes the controller adjusting a power level of the one or more heating elements.

Abstract: A self-heating solder flux material includes a solder flux material and a multi-compartment microcapsule. The solder flux material includes a solvent carrier, and the multi-compartment microcapsule includes a first compartment, a second compartment, and an isolating structure. The first compartment contains a first reactant, and the second compartment contains a second reactant. The isolating structure separates the first compartment from the second compartment. The isolating structure is adapted to rupture in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: Forming a thermal interface material structure includes forming an assembly that includes a thermal interface material disposed between a first mating surface and a second mating surface. The first mating surface is associated with a module lid, and the second mating surface is associated with a heat sink. Protruding surface features are incorporated onto the first mating surface or the second mating surface. The process also includes compressing the assembly to form a thermal interface material structure. The thermal interface material structure includes the thermal interface material disposed within an interface defined by the first mating surface and the second mating surface. The protruding surface features protrude from the first mating surface or the second mating surface into selected areas of the interface to limit relative movement of the mating surfaces into the selected areas during thermal cycling to reduce thermal interface material migration out of the interface.

Abstract: A flame retardant ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizing molecule includes a phosphorus-containing flame retardant moiety and a hydroxyphenyl-benzotriazole (HPB) moiety.

Abstract: A multifunctionalized polycaprolactone polymer, a process for forming a multifunctionalized polycaprolactone polymer, and an article of manufacture comprising a material containing a multifunctionalized polycaprolactone polymer are disclosed. The multifunctionalized polycaprolactone polymer includes at least two functional groups. The process of forming the multifunctionalized polycaprolactone polymer includes forming a caprolactone monomer having at least two functional groups, and polymerizing the caprolactone monomer. Further, the article of manufacture includes a polycaprolactone polymer having at least two functional groups.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizing polymeric filler material includes a particle that is surface modified to include a hydroxyphenyl-benzotriazole (HPB) derivative functionality.

Abstract: A multi-compartment microcapsule quenches fluorophores in response to a stimulus. In some embodiments, the multi-compartment microcapsules have first and second compartments separated by an isolating structure adapted to change in permeability in response to the stimulus, wherein the first and second compartments contain reactants that come in contact and react to quench a fluorescent compound when the isolating structure changes in permeability.