Abstract: An article is provided that includes a polymeric fiber that has an excess number of surface active reactive moieties relative to the number of surface reactive moieties found on the fiber in a native state. A particle is bonded covalently to the fiber through an intermediate coupling agent. Multiple particles can be covalently bonded to the fiber, the multiple particles can be bonded uniformly or asymmetrically around the fiber diameter. A process for modifying a fiber includes creating surface activated reactive moieties thereon. The activated fiber is then exposed to a liquid solution containing a coupling agent to form a covalent bond. The coupling agent is also reacted with a particle in a liquid solution to form a covalent bond between the coupling agent and the particle. The coupling agent is covalently bonded to either a particle and then bonded to the fiber, or vice versa.

Abstract: An article is provided that includes a polymeric fiber that has an excess number of surface active reactive moieties relative to the number of surface reactive moieties found on the fiber in a native state. A particle is bonded covalently to the fiber through an intermediate coupling agent. Multiple particles can be covalently bonded to the fiber, the multiple particles can be bonded uniformly or asymmetrically around the fiber diameter. A process for modifying a fiber includes creating surface activated reactive moieties thereon. The activated fiber is then exposed to a liquid solution containing a coupling agent to form a covalent bond. The coupling agent is also reacted with a particle in a liquid solution to form a covalent bond between the coupling agent and the particle. The coupling agent is covalently bonded to either a particle and then bonded to the fiber, or vice versa.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying a polymer are disclosed herein. A matrix is generally provided having a surface thereof, wherein the matrix comprises a plurality of hyperbranched polymers. The plurality of hyperbranched polymers can be chemically bound to a plurality of surfactants or order to modify the surface and produce a polymeric material thereof. The surface is tailored with a plurality of functional groups that self-assemble and are deliverable to the surface of the solution, including interfaces thereof, thereby permitting a high-density assembly of functional groups to operate in concert with one another in order to generate a modified surface thereof. The polymeric material produced thereof can be reversibly adaptable to environmental conditions through a blooming of varying surface functional group to the surface of the solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying a polymer are disclosed herein. A solution is generally provided having a surface thereof, wherein the solution comprises a plurality of highly branched polymers. The plurality of highly branched polymers can be chemically bound to a plurality of surfactants or order to modify the surface and produce a polymeric material thereof. The surface is tailored with a plurality of functional groups that self-assemble and are deliverable to the surface of the solution, including interfaces thereof, thereby permitting a high-density assembly of functional groups to operate in concert with one another in order to generate a modified surface thereof. The polymeric material produced thereof can be reversibly adaptable to environmental conditions through a blooming of varying surface functional group to the surface of the solution.

Abstract: This invention is a new process to promote adhesion between thermoplastic polymers and thermosetting resin adhesives. This is accomplished by selecting a third "interlayer" polymer which is compatible with both the thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. This compatible interlayer is incorporated with the thermoplastic polymer during fabrication to provide the finished part surface with a layer of the compatible film. Upon adhesive bonding, diffusion of the thermosetting adhesive molecules into the compatible film occurs before complete cure, or hardening of the thermosetting adhesive. After completion of cure an Interpenetrating Network (IPN) is formed. Molecular entanglement in this network provides superior adhesive strength enhancement.