Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: A passive structural system includes a structural element which may be subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration in the element. At least one bi-stable sub-structure is coupled to the element. Each bi-stable sub-structure has two stable equilibrium states between which the sub-structure can physically transition when subjected to a sufficient amount of energy which gives rise to vibration in the element, with each bi-stable sub-structure arranged to dissipate at least a portion of the energy and thereby damp the vibration in the structural element when it transitions from one equilibrium state to the other. The passive structural system may also be intentionally mistuned such that when subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration, the vibration energy is substantially confined to localized regions within the system. The bi-stable structures are then located in the localized regions and arranged to dissipate the localized vibration energy.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a coating mixture is capable of being applied on a substrate. The coating mixture includes acidified graphite particles, a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene resin in water, and silver ion doped microporous particles. When the coating mixture is applied to a surface of the substrate, the coating resists growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a coating mixture is capable of being applied on a substrate. The coating mixture includes acidified graphite particles, a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene resin in water, and silver ion doped microporous particles. When the coating mixture is applied to a surface of the substrate, the coating resists growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: A passive structural system includes a structural element which may be subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration in the element. At least one bi-stable sub-structure is coupled to the element. Each bi-stable sub-structure has two stable equilibrium states between which the sub-structure can physically transition when subjected to a sufficient amount of energy which gives rise to vibration in the element, with each bi-stable sub-structure arranged to dissipate at least a portion of the energy and thereby damp the vibration in the structural element when it transitions from one equilibrium state to the other. The passive structural system may also be intentionally mistuned such that when subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration, the vibration energy is substantially confined to localized regions within the system. The bi-stable structures are then located in the localized regions and arranged to dissipate the localized vibration energy.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a coating mixture is capable of being applied on a substrate. The coating mixture includes acidified graphite particles, a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene resin in water, and silver ion doped microporous particles. When the coating mixture is applied to a surface of the substrate, the coating resists growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: A fire retardant polymer composition is provided. The fire retardant polymer composition is formed of a polymer material, a plurality of monomers of a polycondensed partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor, and at least one flame retardant constituent. A process for making a flame retardant polymer composition is also presented. The process includes contacting a polymer material with a metal oxide sol comprising a liquid and a condensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor to form a mixture. The polymer material also is contacted with at least one flame retardant constituent. The polymer material is then polymerized or solidified.

Abstract: A fire retardant polymer composition is provided. The fire retardant polymer composition is formed of a polymer material and a polycondensation product of a plurality of monomers of an at least partially hydrolyzed phosphinate-chelated metal oxide precursor. A process for making a flame retardant polymer composition is also presented. The process includes contacting a metal oxide precursor with a source of organophosphinate anions to form a phosphinate-chelated metal oxide precursor. The phosphinate-chelated metal oxide precursor is at least partially hydrolyzed and then condenses to form a phosphorous-containing metal oxide sol. The sol may be contacted with a polymer material, which is then polymerized or solidified.

Abstract: A fire retardant polymer composition is provided. The fire retardant polymer composition is formed of a polymer material, a plurality of monomers of a polycondensed partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor, and at least one flame retardant constituent. A process for making a flame retardant polymer composition is also presented. The process includes contacting a polymer material with a metal oxide sol comprising a liquid and a condensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor to form a mixture. The polymer material also is contacted with at least one flame retardant constituent. The polymer material is then polymerized or solidified.

Abstract: A brake pad lining composition is provided that includes a friction modifier for adjusting a coefficient of friction of the brake pad lining and a strengthener for providing structural integrity. The composition also includes a fly ash filler for increasing the volume of the brake pad lining. A binder, such as phenolic resin, holds the friction modifier, the strengthener, and the filler together. By utilizing fly ash as a filler, the cost of the brake pad may be significantly reduced. Design of the brake pad lining may be simplified and the filler used more effectively by achieving a desired ratio of fly ash and binder, and then adding the friction modifier and strengthener to systematically adjust the brake lining properties.