Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in part, to an epoxy resin composition comprising: an epoxy resin; and an aliphatic polyamine (e.g., as a cross-linking agent), wherein the aliphatic polyamine comprises a compound having the structure of Formula (1): wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group and aromatic group; or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring; each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group and aromatic group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of polycyano compounds to produce polyamines, in particular diaminoacetal and diaminoketal compounds, and their use as curing agents in epoxy resin compositions. The reduction with molecular hydrogen can be carried out using a metal catalyst selected from GROUP VIII and a catalytic promoter. The reduction can include anhydrous or aqueous ammonia. The reaction can be carried out in continuous and batch modes with catalyst and solvent recycling. The epoxy resin composition consisting of an epoxy resin and a polyamine curing agent that can be used in fiber-reinforced composite materials, coating materials, and the like.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I, uses as crosslinking agents or curing agents thereof, and resins obtained by using the compounds as crosslinking agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in part, to an epoxy resin composition comprising: an epoxy resin; and an aliphatic polyamine (e.g., as a cross-linking agent), wherein the aliphatic polyamine comprises a compound having the structure of Formula (1): wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group and aromatic group; or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclic ring; each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group and aromatic group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of polycyano compounds to produce polyamines, in particular diaminoacetal and diaminoketal compounds, and their use as curing agents in epoxy resin compositions. The reduction with molecular hydrogen can be carried out using a metal catalyst selected from GROUP VIII and a catalytic promoter. The reduction can include anhydrous or aqueous ammonia. The reaction can be carried out in continuous and batch modes with catalyst and solvent recycling. The epoxy resin composition consisting of an epoxy resin and a polyamine curing agent that can be used in fiber-reinforced composite materials, coating materials, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for converting light energy to mechanical energy by modification of surface tension on a supporting fluid. The apparatus comprises an object which may be formed as a composite object comprising a support matrix and a highly light absorptive material. The support matrix may comprise a silicon polymer. The highly light absorptive material may comprise vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTs) embedded in the support matrix. The composite object is supported on a fluid. By exposing the highly light absorptive material to light, heat is generated, which changes the surface tension of the composite object, causing it to move physically within the fluid.

Abstract: An embodiment of a microcapsule includes a shell surrounding a space, a liquid within the shell, and a light absorbing material within the liquid. An embodiment of a method of making microcapsules includes forming a mixture of a light absorbing material and an organic solution. An emulsion of the mixture and an aqueous solution is then formed. A polymerization agent is added to the emulsion, which causes microcapsules to be formed. Each microcapsule includes a shell surrounding a space, a liquid within the shell, and light absorbing material within the liquid. An embodiment of a method of using microcapsules includes providing phototriggerable microcapsules within a bulk material. Each of the phototriggerable microcapsules includes a shell surrounding a space, a chemically reactive material within the shell, and a light absorbing material within the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hardeners for use in making cleavable epoxy compositions, including compositions wherein components in contact with epoxy composition can be recovered, as well as methods of making such hardeners.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hardeners for use in making cleavable epoxy compositions, including compositions wherein components in contact with epoxy composition can be recovered, as well as methods of making such hardeners.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I, uses as crosslinking agents or curing agents thereof, and resins obtained by using the compounds as crosslinking agents.

Abstract: An embodiment of a microcapsule includes a shell surrounding a space, a liquid within the shell, and a light absorbing material within the liquid. An embodiment of a method of making microcapsules includes forming a mixture of a light absorbing material and an organic solution. An emulsion of the mixture and an aqueous solution is then formed. A polymerization agent is added to the emulsion, which causes microcapsules to be formed. Each microcapsule includes a shell surrounding a space, a liquid within the shell, and light absorbing material within the liquid. An embodiment of a method of using microcapsules includes providing phototriggerable microcapsules within a bulk material. Each of the phototriggerable microcapsules includes a shell surrounding a space, a chemically reactive material within the shell, and a light absorbing material within the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for converting light energy to mechanical energy by modification of surface tension on a supporting fluid. The apparatus comprises an object which may be formed as a composite object comprising a support matrix and a highly light absorptive material. The support matrix may comprise a silicon polymer. The highly light absorptive material may comprise vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTs) embedded in the support matrix. The composite object is supported on a fluid. By exposing the highly light absorptive material to light, heat is generated, which changes the surface tension of the composite object, causing it to move physically within the fluid.