Abstract: The Lennard-Jones parameters for metals, such as fee metals, have been developed which are suitable for the simulation of the metals, alloys, and interfaces with water, organic, inorganic, and biological molecules. The models are compatible with common materials-oriented and biomolecular force fields, and can thus be integrated in commercial simulation packages to extend their applicability to any metal-related systems.

Abstract: A self-optimizing, inverse analysis method for parameter identification of nonlinear material constitutive models utilizes the global force and displacement boundary loadings that are experimentally identified to globally search for initial constitutive parameters using a genetic algorithm. The initially identified constitutive parameters are then iteratively optimized by a simplex method in which two nonlinear finite element analyses are conducted in parallel using updated material constitutive parameters under the experimentally measured force and displacement boundary loadings. Stress and strain values for both the force and displacement finite element analyses are then input into an implicit objection function. Finally, the simplex optimization is performed for a number of predetermined number of iterations, whereupon the start of each new iteration utilizes the previously optimized set of constitutive parameters.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: a nanocomposite; and a top layer; where the sensor provides in-situ detection in sweat or other aqueous body fluids at the skin surface of at least one physiological parameter selected from the group consisting of a physiological salt component, temperature, moisture, humidity, or combinations thereof. The present invention further includes a method of fabricating a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: electrospinning at least one polyamide-producing monomer to form a non-conductive polyamide substrate; attaching at least one plurality of conductive nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, to form an intermediate layer; and functionalizing the intermediate layer to form a top layer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a liquid entrapping device comprising an absorbent component, hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component in fluid communication therewith, and optionally an adhesive component. The present invention is also directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids while maintaining a suitable degree of mechanical strength. Furthermore, the present invention is generally directed to methods for making and using the foregoing devices and materials.

Abstract: A method for creating a non-adhesive, water-absorbent wound dressing includes creating a mixture of monomers, crosslinker, initiator, and solvent, initiating polymerization of the monomers to begin polymerization of the monomers; quenching the polymerization of the monomers when the mixture has a viscosity suitable for electrospinning; electrospinning the polymer mixture to form a fibrous membrane; and thereafter further polymerizing and crosslinking the fibrous membrane. The monomers are chosen from select species and, following this process, provide wound dressings that are nonadherent to a wound so as to be potentially reusable; superabsorbent; non-biofouling. With the addition of antimicrobial cations, the wound dressings also provide antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a new method of polymerizing ethylene. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds utilized in the polymerization of ethylene and to a synthesis/polymerization method that uses same. In another embodiment branched polyethylene is synthesized from an ethylene monomer using, in this embodiment, at least one nickel iminophosphonamide (PN2) complex. In still another embodiment, the reaction of (phenyl) (triphenylphosphine) (diphenyl-bis (trimethylsilylimino) phosphorato)-nickel, with Rh(acac) (C2H4)2 and ethylene yield a branched polyethylene. In an alternative of this embodiment, the reaction of (phenyl) (triphenylphosphine) (methyl-cis(trimethylsilyl)amino-bis(trimethylsilylimino) phosphorato)-nickel and ethylene, with or without Ni(COD)2, yields a branched polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: A method for the production of hyperbranched polyacrylates includes the step of reacting acrylic inimers through controlled living polymerization in aqueous conditions. The inimers may have the formula: Wherein X is a halogen, a thiocarbonylthio or nitroxide group, and R is hydrogen, methyl, dodecyl, and groups containing mesogenin substituents, fluorocarbon substituents, siloxane substituents and oxyethylene substituents. In particular, the aqueous condition is emulsion or miniemulsion. The polymerization may be reverse ATRP, SN&RI and AGET polymerization or RAFT polymerization (with thiocarbonylthio X groups) or nitroxide mediated polyeization (with nitroxide X groups).