Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer adhesive matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix. The particles sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for the analysis of gases for medical purposes are described. In one aspect, a system includes a sample collector to collect a physical sample associated with an individual and present a gas sample for analysis, a gas analysis device to analyze the gas sample presented by the sample collector to determine a concentration of one or more non-aqueous gases in the gas sample, a data storage device that includes information reflecting a correlation between concentration of the one or more non-aqueous gases in the gas sample and a disease state, and a data analysis device to determine a medical condition of the individual based on the concentration of one or more non-aqueous gases in the gas sample and the information.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are so long that they cannot be penetrated inbetween carbon fibers during a prepreg preparation process, and are shortened in order for them not to be filtered out by the carbon fibers. This results in a huge improvement of the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus) compared with neat epoxy.

Abstract: A buffer layer is used to coat on the multi-filament wrapped string to fill the gaps. The polymers of the buffer-layer coating have a high melt-flow (low viscosity) during coating process to fill all the gaps between the filaments, and the filaments are fixed by the coatings onto base core materials. An outer protective coating is applied, which may comprise a composite nylon, clay nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, an impact modifier, or any combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes co-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochromic window positions a pattern of conductive lines over a first transparent substrate, a transparent conductive film over the pattern of conductive lines and first transparent substrate, and an electrochromic layer over the transparent conductive film, wherein the transparent conductive layer is a physical barrier separating the electrochromic layer from the pattern of conductive lines. The first transparent substrate may be flexible. The pattern of conductive lines and transparent conductive film may be deposited and processed at a temperature less than 180 degrees C. The pattern of conductive lines may be deposited on the first transparent substrate by printing techniques.

Abstract: A combination of MWNTs (herein, MWNTs have more than 2 walls) and DWNTs significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. A small amount of DWNTs reinforcement (<1 wt. %) significantly improves the flexural strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. A same or similar amount of MWNTs reinforcement significantly improves the flexural modulus (stiffness) of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and DWNTs-coreinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either DWNTs or MWNTs-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. In this epoxy/DWNTs/MWNTs nanocomposite system, SWNTs may also work instead of DWNTs. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: A nylon 11 composite has significantly improved flexural modulus while keeping or even increasing the impact strength. This composite system may comprise a nylon 11/filler/modifier. The “ball” portion of badminton shuttlecocks made by this type of composite more closely emulate the flight capabilities of natural feather shuttlecocks than neat nylon 11.

Abstract: Conductive lines are deposited on a substrate to produce traces for conducting electricity between electronic components. A patterned metal layer is formed on the substrate, and then a layer of material having a low thermal conductivity is coated over the patterned metal layer and the substrate. Vias are formed through the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity thereby exposing portions of the patterned metal layer. A film of conductive ink is then coated over the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity and into the vias to thereby coat the portions of the patterned metal layer, and then sintered. The film of conductive ink coated over the portion of the patterned metal layer does not absorb as much energy from the sintering as the film of conductive ink coated over the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity. The layer of material having the low thermal conductivity may be a polymer, such as polyimide.

Abstract: Nanoparticle inks and powders are sintered using an applied mechanical energy, such as uniaxial pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and ultrasonic energy, which may also include applying a sheer force to the inks or powders in order to make the resultant film or line conductive.

Abstract: Graphite aluminum composites for use in thermal management applications, such as heat sinks, are manufactured using pressure molds. The materials may be mixed previous to insertion into the mold, or can be mixed within the mold. Further, graphitic particles, such as graphitic needle coke surfaces, can be coated with the aluminum before the mold process is performed. Further, ceramic sheets can be inserted into the mixture before the mold process is performed so that the molded material can then be sliced to provide a carbon aluminum composite plate with a ceramic sheet on one of its surfaces.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes, which in several embodiments are mixed with particles, organic materials, non-organic materials, or solvents, are deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The deposition of the carbon nanotube mixture is performed using an ink jet printing process.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix before dispersing the solution using a microfluidic process. Well-dispersed particles are obtained that sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus. The resulting composite material is used for coatings on marine vessels.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise at least one type of carbon material selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, carbon fibers, artificial graphite powder, or combinations thereof. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The article of manufacture also comprises an additive that is not a metal pressure disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores.

Abstract: Fabrication of thin-film transistor devices on polymer substrate films that is low-temperature and fully compatible with polymer substrate materials. The process produces micron-sized gate length structures that can be fabricated using inkjet and other standard printing techniques. The process is based on microcrack technology developed for surface conduction emitter configurations for field emission devices.

Abstract: The instant article of manufacture is made by applying optical energy to one or more layers of nanoparticulate materials under predetermined conditions to produce a nanostructure. The nanostructure has layers of optically fused nanoparticles including a predetermined pore density, a predetermined pore size, or both. The predetermined conditions for applying the optical energy may include a predetermined voltage, a predetermined duration, a predetermined power density, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise at least one type of carbon material selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, and artificial graphite powder. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The article of manufacture also comprises a metal component comprising Al, alloys of Al, or combinations thereof. The metal component is disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of pores. Further, the article of manufacture comprises an additive comprising at least Si. At least a portion of the additive is disposed in an interface between the metal component within the pores and the carbon-containing matrix. The additive enhances phonon coupling and propagation at the interface.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating metal microparticles in a pH sensitive polymer matrix using a suspension containing the polymer. The process first disperses the metal particles in a polymeric solution consisting of a pH sensitive polymer. The particles are then encapsulated in the form of micro-spheres of about 5-10 microns in diameter comprising the pH sensitive polymer and the metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+) to be coated. The encapsulated matrix includes first metal particles homogeneously dispersed in a pH sensitive matrix, comprising the second metal ions. A high shear homogenization process ensures homogenization of the aqueous mixture resulting in uniform particle encapsulation. The encapsulated powder may be formed using spray drying. The powder may be then coated in a controlled aqueous media using an electroless deposition process. The polymer is removed when the encapsulated micro-spheres encounter a pH change in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet deposition processes or others. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells formed in a cathode structure. The inks include carbon nanotubes, binding materials, and possibly other nanoparticles. Such binding materials may include epoxies and silicate materials.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise one or more carbon materials selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, carbon fibers, artificial graphite powder, and combinations thereof. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The composition of matter also comprises a reactive additive that is not a metal pressure disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores.