Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to microparticles comprising carbon, wherein a plurality of nanoparticles are supported on the surface of the microparticle. The nanoparticles comprise at least one transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of transition metal carbides, transition metal nitrides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal phosphides, transition metal carbonitrides, transition metal sulfonitrides, transition metal carbosulfides, transition metal phosphocarbides, transition metal phosphonitrides, transition metal phosphosulfides, transition metal carbosulfonitrides, transition metal carbophosphonitrides, transition metal phosphosulfonitrides, transition metal carbophosphosulfonitrides, and interstitial derivatives thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to processes for preparing such microparticles and to polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that comprise such microparticles, as well as to the use of such PEMs in fuel cells.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: A self-healing composite membrane includes a continuous ionomer phase in which is dispersed a plurality of hollow fibers and/or microcapsules each containing a liquid healing agent that includes a dispersion or solution of a healing ionomer in a liquid vehicle. Electrochemical devices employing the self-healing composite membranes are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided which contains a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte and a separator, wherein the anode employs polythiocyanogen as an active material.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle to opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: A vacuum-induced injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool surface having an injection port extending therethrough. A flexible film extends over and is sealingly coupled to the tool surface. The flexible film comprises an outer surface and an inner surface such that the flexible film inner surface and the tool surface define a volume. A vacuum chamber is sealingly coupled to the outer surface of the flexible film. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the volume. A method of injection molding a polymer matrix composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided which contains a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte and a separator, wherein the anode employs polythiocyanogen as an active material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.

Abstract: A method of detecting leakage from a preform used in a VARTM process includes providing a mold and bagging film suitable for use in the VARTM process; heating air; distributing hot air along an interface between an the bagging film and a surface of the mold; determining a temperature distribution along the interface; and using the temperature distribution to locate one or more leaks in the bagging film.

Abstract: A vacuum-induced injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool surface having an injection port extending therethrough. A flexible film extends over and is sealingly coupled to the tool surface. The flexible film comprises an outer surface and an inner surface such that the flexible film inner surface and the tool surface define a volume. A vacuum chamber is sealingly coupled to the outer surface of the flexible film. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the volume. A method of injection molding a polymer matrix composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting leakage from a preform used in a VARTM process includes providing a mold and bagging film suitable for use in the VARTM process; heating air; distributing hot air along an interface between an the bagging film and a surface of the mold; determining a temperature distribution along the interface; and using the temperature distribution to locate one or more leaks in the bagging film.

Abstract: A method of making a cobalt-boron alloy includes contacting an aqueous suspension of an oxide of cobalt, particularly a highly crystalline cobalt oxide, with a borohydride such as sodium borohydride. The resulting alloy may be used as a catalyst to produce gaseous hydrogen by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst-coated nickel template including a) an open-cell nickel foam having within it pores defined by an internal nickel surface, the foam also having an external nickel surface not within the pores; and b) a layer of catalyst including Co and B on at least a portion of the internal nickel surface and at least a portion of the external nickel surface. The invention also provides a method of making a catalyst-coated nickel template that includes contacting a nickel template with a solution including a cobalt salt, a complexing agent, and a boron source selected from organoboranes and organoamine boranes under conditions sufficient to deposit boron and cobalt on a surface of the nickel template. Methods of generating H2 at a predetermined rate include contacting a NaBH4 solution with the catalyst-coated nickel template.

Abstract: A mold system (1000) includes a gate control system (150) that selectively deforms a deformable member (140) to selectively close one or more injection gates (127, 227) and/or vent gates (128, 228) in a mold platen (160, 260). The injection gates (127, 227) are selectively opened and closed by engaging the deformable member (140) with the injection gates (127, 227). The deformable member (140) is located between the gate control system (150) and the curing fluid, and curing fluid entering the mold platen (160, 260) therefore does not contact the gate control system (150).

Abstract: A stemless hip prosthesis uses one or more cables which wrap around the prosthesis and the femur to mount the prosthesis in place thereby avoiding the need to provide the prosthesis with a stem located in the medullary canal.