Abstract: Nanoscale chemicals based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and polyhedral oligomeric silicates (POS) are taught as lubricants, mold release agents, and as additives to control the viscosity, lubrication, wear, and thermal properties of conventional lubricous materials. The precisely defined nanoscopic dimensions of POSS materials enable viscosity, miscibility, and thermal properties to be (increased) or reduced (decreased) as desired. A key feature to the successful tailoring of properties is the inherent thermal and chemical stability of the POSS/POS nanostructure and the ability to control its topology and chemical potential to match that of surfaces and other materials.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods for preparing pentaerythritol disulfite employing reduced amounts of thionyl chloride and 1,2-dichloroethane as reaction media. Also disclosed is the first synthesis of pentaerythritol disulfate by oxydation of the above pentaerythritol disulfite. Both the disulfite (2) and the disulfate (3) are obtained in high yields.

Abstract: A rocket propellant of improved Isp and thrust is provided by modifying a rocket fuel of RP-1 (a kerosene fraction). Such fuel is combined with an oxidizer (e.g. liquid oxygen, LOX) which defines a rocket propellant of the prior art. Such propellant is modified per the invention by addition to or replacement of, the RP-1 with quadricyclane. In another embodiment, quadricyclane is added to n-Hexane as a fuel composition which is then combined with an oxidizer to define a rocket propellant per the invention. The invention thus provides a number of rocket fuels which upon combination with an oxidizer, provides a high energy density propellant, which can permit increases of over 10 wt % in additional payload for rocket launch vehicles.