Abstract: Electrodes for rechargeable batteries that include silicon and a binder are provided. Binders for use with silicon electrodes are provided, including polysiloxane binders that can be prepared prior to preparation of the electrode, or provided as monomers to be cure-polymerized at the time of the curing of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods for making an electrode, such as a negative electrode or a positive electrode, for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium ion battery, are provided. The method includes a cross-linking step and a carbonizing step. The cross-linking step includes cross-linking a first mixture including a polymeric binder and an electroactive material including silicon, lithium, graphite, and a combination thereof to form a cross-linked intermediate electrode. The cross-linked intermediate electrode includes the electroactive material dispersed within the polymeric binder, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric binder is cross-linked. The carbonizing step includes plasma treating the cross-linked intermediate electrode or exposing the cross-linked intermediate electrode to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Electrodes for rechargeable batteries that include silicon and a binder are provided. Binders for use with silicon electrodes are provided, including polysiloxane binders that can be prepared prior to preparation of the electrode, or provided as monomers to be cure-polymerized at the time of the curing of the electrode.

Abstract: Electrostatic dry powder spray processes are disclosed for making battery electrodes. The electrodes made by dry powder coating processes are conventional lithium ion battery electrodes and unconventional electrodes of gradient in composition and structure, large thicknesses, free-standing, and flexible.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention provides a diffusion media and fuel cells and systems employing the diffusion media. In at least one embodiment, the diffusion media comprises a porous matrix having an outer surface and a hydrophilic polymeric coating on at least a portion of the porous matrix with the hydrophilic coating comprising the cured product of a formulation comprising a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: An electrode for a lithium ion battery includes a liquid metal having a melting point that is below the operating temperature of the battery, which transforms from a liquid to a solid during lithiation, and wherein the liquid metal transforms from a solid to a liquid during delithiation.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention provides a diffusion media and fuel cells and systems employing the diffusion media. In at least one embodiment, the diffusion media comprises a porous matrix having an outer surface and a hydrophilic polymeric coating on at least a portion of the porous matrix with the hydrophilic coating comprising the cured product of a formulation comprising a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: A method of enhancing water management capabilities of a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing a fuel cell component having hydrophilic or weakly hydrophobic surfaces, increasing a hydrophobicity of at least one of said hydrophilic surfaces and assembling the fuel cell component into the fuel cell.

Abstract: A bipolar plate having hydrophilic surfaces is disclosed. The bipolar plate includes multiple surfaces including channels having channel surfaces. A hydrophilic coating is provided on the surfaces to enhance the water management capabilties of a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for a fuel cell which comprises an electrically conductive substrate, a flow field for distributing fluid along a surface of the substrate, and an electrically conductive coating on the surface which comprises a noble metal, desirably Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Os, and preferably Au.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: An information storage device includes a substrate and a shape memory alloy film established on the substrate. The shape memory alloy film may receive, supply, and store digital information. One or more thermoelectric modules is/are nanoimprinted between the substrate and the shape memory alloy film. The thermoelectric modules(s) is adapted to selectively erase at least some of the digital information from the shape memory alloy film.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a plurality of high aspect ratio magnetizable particles, wherein the aspect ratio of the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles is greater than 1.5. Optionally, the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles can have interlocking structures comprising male component and a female component. Still further, a magnetorheological fluid composition can comprise low aspect ratio magnetizable particles having the interlocking structures, wherein the aspect ratio of the low aspect ratio magnetizable particles is 1 to 1.5.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes at least one continuous band supported against a contact face in a slot formed in each of a plurality of transverse elements of the CVT. The band has a surface positioned against the contact face. This surface is coated with chromium nitride by physical vapor deposition to reduce wear.

Abstract: Various embodiments of roller hemming apparatus and methods are disclosed including one wherein multiple rollers are carried on a single mount to hem a flange in a single pass, another including induction heating and air quenching means movable with a roller to anneal the flange just prior to hem forming, and another in which friction from a rotatably driven roller heats the flange to reduce bending stresses during hemming of the flange.

Abstract: A surface of an article is heated and subjected to pressure by operation of a friction stir tool. The pressure of the face of the tool on the article surface, and the speed of rotation of the tool and of its progression along the surface of the article, are controlled to progressively hot-work a specified surface area. The face of the tool may be round and have a profiled, axially extending, smaller diameter pin for higher concentration of frictional heat and load and for plasticizing a surface layer of the workpiece. Such hot work may be applied for reducing surface porosity or for producing another change in the surface microstructure, or for effecting another change in surface material properties.

Abstract: An information storage device includes a substrate and a shape memory alloy film established on the substrate. The shape memory alloy film may receive, supply, and store digital information. One or more thermoelectric modules is/are nanoimprinted between the substrate and the shape memory alloy film. The thermoelectric module(s) is adapted to selectively erase at least some of the digital information from the shape memory alloy film.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A method of surface treating heat treated members to remove oxide scale. The heat treated members are subjected to a staged series of discrete chemical and physical cleaning steps yielding a substantially scale-free surface readily adaptable for subsequent application of protective coatings.