Abstract: The subject invention pertains to systems and methods for cost effective evaluation of the suitability of tree growth in a planting area before planting. Factors considered include whether the water and heat conditions of the area to be planted are suitable for the growth and development of the trees to be cultivated and how long the nutrient content in the soil can support the growth of the tree. The invention provides a “plug-and-play” urban landscape tree growth predictor. By inserting a “plunger” with a specialized sensor into the area to be planted, the instrument can automatically capture environmental data to drive the tree growth model, thus quickly simulating the tree's future growth. Through this method, the future growth trend of trees can be predicted and analyzed before planting to reduce the growth risk after planting.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a thermoplastic blend comprising a polycarbonate, an inorganic filler, an impact modifier, and a heat stabilizer; and wherein a molded specimen of the thermoplastic blend exhibits an improved bonding strength, high melt flow rate, and high impact strength.

Abstract: Polycarbonate blend compositions are disclosed. The compositions include at least one polycarbonate useful for high heat applications. The compositions include at least one poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate. The compositions can include one or more additional polymers. The compositions can include one or more additives. The compositions can be used to prepare articles of manufacture, and in particular, automotive bezels.

Abstract: Polycarbonate blend compositions are disclosed. The compositions include at least one polycarbonate useful for high heat applications. The compositions include at least one poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate. The compositions can include one or more additional polymers. The compositions can include one or more additives. The compositions can be used to prepare articles of manufacture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymeric sheet, comprising: a foamed layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material has a Tg of greater than or equal to 100° C.; and wherein the sheet has a weight reduction of 10% to 60%, as compared to a solid sheet of the same geometry and size formed from the same polymeric material. The sheet, at the thickness of 1.0 mm, has a smoke density of less than or equal to 200 particles after four minutes of burning according to ASTM E662-06. The sheet is thermoformable.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprises, based on the total weight of the polymers in the thermoplastic composition, a polycarbonatesiloxane-arylate; 2 to 15 wt % or 2 to 8 wt % or 1 to 4 wt % of a core-shell impact modifier; a flame retardant comprising a bromine-containing polymer or oligomer effective to provide 1.5 wt % to 5 wt % of bromine; an aromatic organophosphorus compound, effective to provide 0.1 to 1 wt % of phosphorus, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and optionally 0 to 80 wt % or 0 to 60 wt % of a polyetherimide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are blended thermoplastic compositions and methods relating to the same. In an aspect, a composition can comprise from about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % of a polybutylene terephthalate component; a second component comprising one or more of: from greater than about 0 wt % to about 40 wt % of a polyester component, from greater than about 0 wt % to about 30 wt % of a resorcinol-based aryl polyester component having greater than or equal to 40 mole % of its moieties derived from resorcinol, from greater than about 0 wt % to about 30 wt % of a polyetherimide component, and from greater than about 0 wt % to about 30 wt % of a polycarbonate component; from about 10 wt % to about 60 wt % of a filler component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are blended thermoplastic compositions comprising at least one polycarbonate component, at least one polybutylene component, at least one polyester ether elastomer component, at least one poly(ethylene-co-ethylacrylate) component, at least one ethylene/alkyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer component, and at least one glass fiber component. The thermal blended polycarbonate compositions can optionally further comprise a transesterification quenching agent and/or epoxy hydrostabilizer agent. The resulting compositions can be used in the manufacture of articles requiring materials that have high impact strength yet have very high stiffness, while retaining desired dielectric properties and are colorable from white to black.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymeric sheet, comprising: a foamed layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material has a Tg of greater than or equal to 100° C.; and wherein the sheet has a weight reduction of 10% to 60%, as compared to a solid sheet of the same geometry and size formed from the same polymeric material. The sheet, at the thickness of 1.0 mm, has a smoke density of less than or equal to 200 particles after four minutes of burning according to ASTM E662-06. The sheet is thermoformable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are blended thermoplastic compositions comprising at least one polycarbonate component, at least one polybutylene component, at least one polyester ether elastomer component, at least one poly(ethylene-co-ethylacrylate) component, at least one ethylene/alkyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer component, and at least one glass fiber component. The thermal blended polycarbonate compositions can optionally further comprise a transesterification quenching agent and/or epoxy hydrostabilizer agent. The resulting compositions can be used in the manufacture of articles requiring materials that have high impact strength yet have very high stiffness, while retaining desired dielectric properties and are colorable from white to black.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermoplastic compositions, in particular polycarbonate thermoplastic compositions containing a surface-treated talc, methods for the manufacture of such compositions, and articles formed from the compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of blended polycarbonate compositions with improved mold release characteristics. The resulting compositions, comprising one or more polycarbonate polymers, an impact modifier, a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer, and an alkyl sulfonate salt, can be used in the manufacture of articles requiring improved mold release characteristics while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of blended polycarbonate compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Photoinduced chemical vapor deposition was used to grow coatings on nanoparticles. Aerosolized nanoparticles were mixed with a vapor-phase coating reactant and introduced into a coating reactor, where the mixture was exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Tandem differential mobility analysis was used to determine coating thicknesses as a function of initial particle size.

Abstract: A process for producing brightly photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles with an emission spanning the visible spectrum is disclosed. In one aspect, the process involves reacting a silicon precursor in the presence of a sheath gas with heat from a radiation beam under conditions effective to produce silicon nanoparticles and acid etching the silicon nanoparticles under conditions effective to produce photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles. Methods for stabilizing photoluminescence of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing nickel nanoparticles. The process involves heating a nickel precursor generated in situ in the presence of a carrier gas under conditions effective to decompose the nickel precursor and produce nickel nanoparticles.

Abstract: A process for producing brightly photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles with an emission spanning the visible spectrum is disclosed. In one aspect, the process involves reacting a silicon precursor in the presence of a sheath gas with heat from a radiation beam under conditions effective to produce silicon nanoparticles and acid etching the silicon nanoparticles under conditions effective to produce photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles. Methods for stabilizing photoluminescence of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles are also disclosed.