Abstract: A polymer material system that consists of multiple SMP layers of different shape memory transition temperatures in a multilayer construction to achieve and tailor a multiple shape memory effect. Wherein two SMP layers of different shape memory transition temperatures are utilized, a triple shape memory effect is achieved.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a polymer system including a shape memory polymer material and a graphene material.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a lithium-ion battery negative electrode including one or more low-melting point alloys that react with lithium.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a liquid-metal alloy negative electrode for a lithium-ion battery. The electrode may also include a porous matrix that comprises a polymer matrix material, a hydrogel material, or a ceramic material.

Abstract: A method for embedding a hydrophilic and electrically conductive layer into a flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the layer is niobium doped titanium oxide in a powder form. The method includes mixing the powder material in a suitable solution, such as a solvent. The solution is deposited on a substrate, such as a stainless steel substrate, by any suitable process, such as brushing. The substrate is then heated so that the solvent evaporates to leave a coating of the powder material. The substrate is then positioned in a die press and is stamped to the shape of the bipolar plate, where the stamping operation embeds the powder material into an outer surface of the bipolar plate.

Abstract: A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a polymer system including a shape memory polymer material and a graphene material.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a lithium-ion battery negative electrode including one or more low-melting point alloys that react with lithium.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a liquid-metal alloy negative electrode for a lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: Electromagnetic forming methods suitable for creating surface features on a shape memory alloy are described. Features may be created over a range of scales, including those suitable for the generation of holographic images. Features, images, or patterns may be made capable of reversibly appearing and disappearing as a result of changes in temperature and may include temperature sensitive displays for automotive and other applications.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a polymer system including a shape memory polymer material and a graphene material.

Abstract: A layered coating is disclosed herein. The layered coating includes a chromium layer, an intermediate layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the chromium layer, and an outer layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a gradually changing composition, wherein the chromium concentration decreases from an area of the intermediate layer adjacent the chromium layer towards a surface of the layered coating.

Abstract: A thermo-reversible dry adhesive, having shape memory polymer characteristics, introduces one or more particles of micro- or nano-particles to at least one layer of the at least one layer of shape memory polymer. These particles may be remotely activated to induct heat sufficient to transform the dry adhesive material from its temporary shape to its permanent shape in the absence of load, which allows the dry adhesive to be reversibly coupled to one or more substrates, wherein the degree of adhesion is greater when the dry adhesive is in the temporary shape than in the permanent shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having an active material forming a surface thereof in contact with a rheological fluid. The active material is controllable to vary a surface geometry thereof between a rough or nonsmooth surface geometry to increase drag, and achieve an increase in stress transmitted through the fluid, when a field is applied, while allowing a smooth surface geometry and an associated reduction in stress transmitted through the fluid when the field is removed. A method of enhancing performance of an apparatus that includes a rheological fluid is also provided.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment comprises a load transfer device that includes a composite component having a variable and controllable surface roughness. The component may comprise a base substrate, a compliant layer over the base substrate, and a top layer over the compliant layer. The complaint layer and the top layer may act cooperatively to reversibly generate wrinkles in response to changes in temperature of the composite component.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant.

Abstract: A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Electromagnetic forming methods suitable for creating surface features on a shape memory alloy are described. Features may be created over a range of scales, including those suitable for the generation of holographic images. Features, images, or patterns may be made capable of reversibly appearing and disappearing as a result of changes in temperature and may include temperature sensitive displays for automotive and other applications.

Abstract: A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having a cylinder case with at least one cylinder bore wall defining at least one cylinder bore. At least one piston is reciprocally movable within the at least one cylinder bore. The at least one piston includes at least one skirt portion preferably having a barrel-shaped profile. The cylinder bore wall has an oleophobic characteristic, while the at least one skirt portion has an oleophilic characteristic. The oleophobic and oleophilic characteristic is produced by at least one of coating and machining the at least one cylinder bore wall and the at least one skirt portion, respectively.