Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The following invention pertains to the introduction of a gas (or fluid) around a SPM probe or Nanotool™ to control chemical activity e.g. oxygen to promote oxidation, argon to inhibit oxidation or clean dry air (CDA) to inhibit moisture to control static charging due to the action of the probe or nanotools and to provide vacuum at and around the tip and substrate area. The invention can also produce electrical current for use with active electronic devices on, in or near the body of the device. In addition by use of a fluid like water, certain oils, and other liquids in conjunction with specific tip structure either electric discharge machining can be used at the tip area on the tip itself (in conjunction with a form structure on the work piece) or on a work piece beneath the tip to shape, polish and remove material at very small scales (10 microns to 1 nm or less).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for functionally modifying a polymeric surface for subsequent deposition of metallic particles and/or films, wherein the polymeric surface is modified by increasing hydroxyl and/or amine functional groups thereby providing an activated polymeric surface for deposition of metallic particles to form a fluorescence sensing device. The device can be used for metal-enhanced fluorescence of fluorophores positioned above the metallic particles that can be readily applied to diagnostic or sensing applications of metal-enhanced fluorescence.

Abstract: Fishing tackle is coated with nanostructured material to modify and improve the performance. The fishing tackle includes a fishing rod which is coated adjacent a first end section, in a middle section, adjacent a second end section, or over an entire surface to improve the action, power or any performance characteristic and/or decrease weight, The fishing tackle includes a fishing reel which is coated in whole or part with a nanostructured material to improve strength, corrosion resistance or performance and/or decrease weight. The fishing tackle includes a fishing rod guide which is coated with a nanostructured material to improve performance and/or decrease weight. The area of coverage and thickness of the material coated on each component of the fishing tackle can be changed, as stipulated by design criterion.

Abstract: The invention relates to phenolic ester compounds. In order to create a new product class which is suited as coating material, a compound is created within the scope of the invention, having a chemical structure of the following formula: [R1—Ph—O]aX(R2)b(R3)c(OR)n-a-b-c where X=Si, Ti, Zr, Mo, Mn, Cr, W, Hf, Ge, Sn, Pb where n=4 or X=B, V, Al, Ga, In where n=3 or X=Zn, Ni, Cu, alkaline earth where n=2 R1=O—H, H, O—Y or an organic side chain Y=an element which is different from or the same as X and has appropriate substituents R2=alkyl group or functional organic side chain R3=an organic side chain which is the same as or different from R2 Ph=aryl group R=alkyl group a is an integer between 1 and n; b=0 or 1 and c=0 or 1, and a+b+c=n. A compound is thus obtained, in which an aryl group is linked into an ester by way of an O—X group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making and using and compositions of metal nanoparticles formed by green chemistry synthetic techniques. For example, the present invention relates to metal nanoparticles formed with solutions of plant extracts and use of these metal nanoparticles in removing contaminants from soil and groundwater and other contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods of making and using compositions of metal nanoparticles formed using green chemistry techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loaded particle comprising at least one fluorescent dye, and in particular, a fluorescent dye with a large Stokes shift. The invention further relates to a method for producing an loaded latex particle, loaded with a fluorescent dye having a large stokes shift. In addition, the present invention relates to latex particles loaded with fluorescent dyes that are organic solvent soluble and insoluble in water. In a preferred embodiment, when the dyes are loaded into the water soluble latex particle, an increase is observed in quantum yield of fluorescence as compared to the quantum yield of the dye in aqueous solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for growing carbon nanotubes on metal substrates. The methods include depositing a catalytic material on a metal substrate to form a catalyst-laden metal substrate; optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate prior to, after, or concurrently with the catalytic material; conveying the catalyst-laden metal substrate through a carbon nanotube growth reactor having carbon nanotube growth conditions therein; and growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden metal substrate. The catalyst-laden metal substrate can optionally remain stationary while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. The catalytic material can be a catalyst or a catalyst precursor. The catalytic material and the optional non-catalytic material can be deposited on the metal substrate from one or more solutions by, for example, spray coating or dip coating techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze contaminants including a plurality of stages configured to detect contaminants in a sample, wherein the plurality of stages are configured to detect a plurality of contaminants at substantially the same time.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating electrode structures on a substrate are presented. The fabrication method includes providing a substrate with a patterned metal layer thereon, defining an electrode area. A passivation glue is formed on the patterned metal layer. An electrode layer is formed in the electrode area. A filling process is performed to deposit nano metal oxides on the electrode layer to extensively fill the entire electrode area.

Abstract: A facile procedure to deliver nanocrystals to the cytosol of live cells that is both rapid and general. The technique employs a unique cationic core-shell polymer colloid that directs nanocrystals to the cytosol of living cells within a few hours of incubation. The present methods and compositions enable a host of advanced applications arising from efficient cytosolic delivery of nanocrystal imaging probes: from single particle tracking experiments to monitoring protein-protein interactions in live cells for extended periods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for use in the detection of a target nucleic acid comprising the steps of: (i) contacting a single-stranded probe nucleic acid with a sample of interest under conditions effective to generate a probe/target nucleic acid duplex by specific hybridisation of said probe nucleic acid to a target nucleic acid, if said target nucleic acid is present; (ii) contacting any probe/target nucleic acid duplex with an exonuclease to effect digestion of the duplex and release of a label molecule from the duplex; and (iii) detecting the label by Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A system for determining a presence of biomolecule targets includes a vessel holding a sample solution suspected of containing the biomolecule targets and a plurality of probes including bioreceptor functionalized metal nanoparticles including a plurality of metal atoms. The biomolecule targets when present in the sample solution bind to the plurality of probes. A separation device is for separating the plurality of probes into a first group of probes having the biomolecule targets bound thereto and a second group of probes not having the biomolecule targets bound thereto. A reagent is introduced via a port for breaking down the metal nanoparticles in the first group or second group of probes, wherein at least one signal moiety solution is formed. A device measures a parameter of the signal moiety solution.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a support and a cleaning arm partly embedded in the support. The cleaning arm includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for curing composite material to form composite structures are provided. A curing tool in one embodiment includes cured nano tube impregnated resin, at least two conductors formed in the nano tube impregnated resin, at least one layer of cured composite material and at least one insulation layer separating the cured composite material from the nano tube impregnated resin.

Abstract: Composites, designed “MNPC” materials, are formed by methods of which an exemplary method includes preparing a liquid suspension of magnetic nanoparticles in a carrier liquid in which the nanoparticles are not soluble. The carrier liquid can form a rigid polymer matrix for the nanoparticles whenever the carrier liquid is exposed to a rigidification condition. A first rigidification condition is applied to the suspension to rigidify the carrier liquid into the polymer matrix and thus form a rigid MNPC material. A fluidizing condition is applied to the rigid MNPC material to fluidize the matrix and allow movement of the nanoparticles in the matrix. While the matrix is fluid, the MNPC material is magnetically poled by exposure to an external magnetic field. Poling aligns at least some of the nanoparticles with the field and allows at least some particles to self-assemble with each other.

Abstract: Nano-sized clay minerals enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, the nano-sized phyllosilicate mineral viscosity enhancers associate, link, connect, or relate the VES elongated micelles into associations thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid, possibly by mechanisms involving chemisorption or surface charge attractions. The nano-sized phyllosilicate mineral particles, also called clay mineral nanoparticles, may have irregular surface charges. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, to reduce fluid leakoff, and to carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to a particle comprising at least one biopolymer which is degradable under the effect of an electromagnetic wavelength, notably the wavelength of which is in the spectrum of the wavelengths emitted by the sun, this biopolymer comprising nucleosides. The invention also relates to compositions containing such particles with the aim of delivering an active principle. These particles can be used mainly in cosmetics, in dermatology, in pharmacy, in agri-food or en agro-industrials.

Abstract: This invention concerns biocides possessing fungicidal and bactericidal properties which can be used in construction, medicine and other various areas of technics. A nanostructural composition of biocide is realized from nanoparticles of bentonite powders intercalated by ions of Zn2+ and ions of Ag+ and/or ions of Cu2+. The biocides according to the invention are prepared starting from bentonite poweder which is preliminarly enriched with cations of Na+, then treated with 10-20% solutions of inorganic salts of Zn (preferably zinc chloride or zinc sulfate ZnSO4), and from bentonite powders preliminarly enriched with cations of Na+ and then treated with 10-20% solutions of inorganic salts of at least one ion selected in the group consisting of Ag+ ions (preferably silver nitrate) and Cu2++ ions (preferably copper sulfate). The powders of bentonite, intercalated with the Zn2+, Ag+ and/or Cu2+ ions, are .cleaned from acid anions and Na+ salts, and dispersed into nanoparticles mainly of no more than 70 nm.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Abstract: A bonding lead comprising a core; and a sheath bonded to the core. The core comprises a substrate of fibres coated with nano-objects with at least one dimension between 1 nm and 200 nm. The nano-objects form a continuous electrically conductive network from one end of the bonding lead to the other with some of the nano-objects coating the fibres and others forming bridges between adjacent fibres. The nano-objects may be carbon nanotubes and the core may be woven or knitted. A conductive connector is provided at each end of the bonding lead, for instance a tab formed from an electrically conductive polymer. The lead can be used to dissipate static charge and/or lightning current between components, typically within an aircraft fuel tank.

Abstract: Highly concentrated carbon nanotube or other nano-reinforcement suspensions and/or masses are prepared for use as admixtures in cement base materials to make cementitious composite materials.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for the isolation or removal of a cellular component from a cell that comprises the steps of applying a pulse of nanoparticles to the cell, allowing the nanoparticles to traffic through the cell for a period of time sufficient to allow the nanoparticles locate to and interact with the cellular component to be isolated, and separation of the nanoparticles and isolated cellular component from the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting nanoparticle probes is disclosed. In one embodiment, quantum dot-tagged proteins on optically transparent membranes or slides are counted. The transparent membranes or slides are loaded onto a stage (e.g., an X-Y stage or X-Y-Z stage), which can automatically reposition the transparent membrane or slides for image capture at varying locations. A microscope can be used for providing a light source to fluoresce the nanocrystals and for providing the magnification needed for image capture. Once one or more images are captured, the nanoparticles can be automatically counted using post-processing software that maintains a total count across multiple images, if desired.

Abstract: Characterizing and/or determining a sample employs an array of at least two of different interacting surfaces, at least one of which comprises a non-specific interacting material non-specifically interacting said sample, at least one labelling reactant, and/or combination of the sample and at least one labelling reactant. The sample and at least one labelling reactant is introduced to interact with said interacting surfaces of said array, wherein said labelling reactant is adapted to change at least one electromagnetically readable property of at least one interacting surface of said array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of triblock polymer ligands (30) and nanoparticle complexes (80). The nanoparticle complexes (80) comprise a capped nanoparticle (10) and the triblock polymer ligand (30). The triblock polymer ligand (30) consists of a binding polymer (40), a hydrophobic polymer (50) and a hydrophilic functionalisable polymer (60). The binding polymer (40) attaches to the capped nanoparticle (10).

Abstract: A composition is described that includes a perovskite of the formula LaMO3, where M is at least one element selected from among iron, aluminium or manganese, in the form of particles dispersed on an alumina or aluminium oxyhydroxide substrate, wherein after calcination at 700° C. for 4 hours, the perovskite is in the form of a pure crystallographic phase, and in that the size of the perovskite particles does not exceed 15 nm. The described composition can be used in the field of catalysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to doping capsules which have a substance which displays a decreasing transparency with increasing temperature within a defined temperature range due to physicochemical interactions with the polymer matrix to be doped. Likewise, the invention relates to composite systems which have a polymer matrix doped with the doping capsules. The capsules according to the invention are used for sun protection or heat reflection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quantum dot-embedded silica nanoparticle having plural quantum dots embedded within the silica nanoparticle, wherein the number of quantum dots existing in a concentric area within 10% of a radius from a center of the silica nanoparticle accounts for 10 to 70% of the number of total quantum dots embedded in the silica nanoparticle.

Abstract: A graphene-based saturable absorber device suitable for use in a ring-cavity fiber laser or a linear-cavity fiber laser is disclosed. The saturable absorber device includes an optical element and a graphene-based saturable absorber material supported by the optical element and comprising at least one of graphene, a graphene derivative and functionalized graphene. An examplary optical element is an optical fiber having an end facet that supports the saturable absorber material. Various forms of the graphene-based saturable absorber materials and methods of forming same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing metal nanoparticles, wherein metal ions are reduced by means of at least one reducing agent in the presence of at least one polymer stabilizer and are converted into metal nanoparticles. The invention further relates to metal nanoparticles obtained in this way and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A nanoparticle organic hybrid material (NOHM) containing an organic polymeric corona having a molecular weight in a range of 100-50,000 g/mol, wherein the organic polymeric corona is covalently attached to an inorganic nanoparticle core, wherein the NOHM exhibits liquid-like properties so that the NOHM moves freely and flows in a manner so that when the NOHM is in a container, the NOHM takes the shape of the container, and wherein the NOHM has a volume fraction (fc) of the inorganic particle ranging from about 0.05 to 0.75, methods of making the NOHMs, and compositions containing the NOHMs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to carbohydrate microarray and conjugated nanoparticles methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to functionalize and solubilize WCNT with a phenolic polymer such as a lignin or a PF resin followed by in-situ integration of this functionalized CNT in the presence of formaldehyde and phenol and/or lignin to generate either CNT-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde polymer or CNT-reinforced lignin-phenol-formaldehyde polymer in either liquid or powder form suitable as an adhesive in the manufacture of a lignocellulosic composite material such as OSB and plywood.

Abstract: Porous block nano-fiber composite (110), a filtration system (10) and methods of using the same are disclosed. An exemplary porous block nano-fiber composite (110) includes a porous block (100) having one or more pores (200). The porous block nano-fiber composite (110) also includes a plurality of inorganic nano-fibers (211) formed within at least one of the pores (200).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing a contaminant from its environment. The method includes forming a magnetic composition comprising the contaminant and an amphiphilic substance, and applying a magnetic field to the magnetic composition so as to separate the magnetic composition from the environment. One composition includes a micelle array confined in a magnetic mesoporous framework. Another composition is formed by adhering an amphiphilic material comprising functional surface groups to a contaminant, then interacting a magnetic material with the functional surface groups of the amphiphilic material. In various versions, the contaminant can be a hydrophobic organic compound, or a fullerene-related nanoparticle. The methods can also be used to purify hydrophobic organic compounds or fullerene-related nanoparticles.

Abstract: Described in example embodiments are nanocomposite powders including calcium phosphate and silver nanoparticles on the surface of the calcium phosphate. Other example embodiments, describe methods of forming nanocomposite powders comprising a) preparing a nanometric calcium phosphate by a sol-gel processing route; and b) depositing silver nanoparticles on the calcium phosphate surface. Compositions including nanocomposite powders and uses of those compositions are also described.

Abstract: An improved oil composition is disclosed. The oil composition includes a base oil comprising a hydrocarbon, the base oil having a base thermal conductivity. The oil composition also includes a first additive comprising a plurality of derivatized first additive nanoparticles dispersed within the base oil to form a modified oil having a modified thermal conductivity, wherein the modified thermal conductivity is greater than the base thermal conductivity. Alternately, an improved oil composition includes a base oil comprising a hydrocarbon and a first additive comprising a plurality of derivatized first additive nanoparticles dispersed within the base oil to form a modified oil comprising a stabilized suspension of the derivatized first additive nanoparticles in the base oil.

Abstract: This invention discloses a stabilized biosolids composition and a method for the stabilization of biosolids. It entails the use of a chemically and biologically reactive material, in the form of ultrafine iron particles. The nanometer-sized iron particles are capable of degrading odorous organosulfur compounds, transforming persistent and toxic organic pollutants such as PCBs and chlorinated pesticides, inhibiting the growth of pathogens by increasing pH and maintaining the increased pH of the stabilized biosolids, immobilizing toxic metal ions such as mercury and lead, and improving the overall quality of biosolids for land application and plant growth.

Abstract: A method for making a thermal interface structure which includes a carbon nanotube layer, in which the carbon nanotubes are oriented parallel to the direction of thermal transmission and metal layers provided on two edge surfaces of the carbon nanotube layer, the edge surfaces being perpendicular to the direction of the thermal transmission and located substantially parallel to the orientation direction at which edges of the carbon nanotubes are oriented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pesticide compositions consisting of meso-sized particles in combination with certain adjuvants such as built-in adjuvants which are added directly to the formulation or to an aqueous dilution of the formulation such as tank-mix adjuvants, to provide enhanced effectiveness for the control of agricultural pests. Mesoparticle compositions containing such adjuvants have been found to provide improved effectiveness compared to mesoparticle compositions not containing such adjuvants or to conventional formulations.

Abstract: Process for preparing a macromonomer using free radical-initiated aqueous emulsion polymerisation in a polymerisation reactor of at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer, which process employs a hydrophobic Co chelate complex as a CTA, a stabilising substance(s) for the emulsion polymerisation process and a monomer feed stage MF; wherein an aqueous pre-emulsified mixture A, comprising at least part of the Co chelate(s) employed, at least part of the stabilising substance(s) employed, and (i) a non-polymerisable organic solvent(s) and/or (ii) a polymerisable monomer(s) in unpolymerised or at least partially polymerised form, is contacted in the reactor with monomer(s) of feed stage MF at the beginning of and/or during the course of feed stage MF; and wherein in mixture A the weight ratio of (i) and/or (ii) to the stabilising substance(s) is in the range of from 10/1 to 1/10.

Abstract: A composition comprising: at least one porous carbon monolith, such as a carbon aerogel, comprising internal pores, and at least one nanomaterial, such as carbon nanotubes, disposed uniformly throughout the internal pores. The nanomaterial can be disposed in the middle of the monolith. In addition, a method for making a monolithic solid with both high surface area and good bulk electrical conductivity is provided. A porous substrate having a thickness of 100 microns or more and comprising macropores throughout its thickness is prepared. At least one catalyst is deposited inside the porous substrate. Subsequently, chemical vapor deposition is used to uniformly deposit a nanomaterial in the macropores throughout the thickness of the porous substrate. Applications include electrical energy storage, such as batteries and capacitors, and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.

Abstract: A composition of matter, and method to make same, for a nano-based material including a nanocarbon support to which is attached an aliphatic amine. In particular, the composition of matter is an aliphatic amine-nanocarbon material that includes a nanocarbon (NC) support, such as C60, nano-graphite, graphene, nanocarbon ribbons, graphite intercalation compounds, graphite oxide, nano-coal, nanohorns, and combinations thereof, and further includes an aliphatic amine, such as polyethyleneimine (PEI).

Abstract: A hydrogen-generating material and method for generating hydrogen are provided. A plurality of metal particles and a plurality of modifier particles are mixed and than reacted with water to generate hydrogen. The metal particles are made of material including aluminum or aluminum alloy or combination thereof. The modifier particles preferably comprise titanium dioxide (TiO2), chromium trioxide (Cr2O3), cobalt tetroxide (CO3O4), nickel oxide (NiO), iron oxide (Fe2O3), and/or iron tetroxide (Fe3O4) particles, and the average particle size of the modifier particles is preferably between about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

Abstract: An asphalt concrete pavement containing a wave absorbing material and a maintenance process thereof are provided. The asphalt concrete pavement includes: 1. a coarse materials consisted of small stone with a grain size of 10-15 mm, macadam with a grain size of 5-10 mm and stone chip with a grain size of 0.1-5 mm; 2. fine materials consisted of sand; 3. a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material which accounts for 10%-100% of the mineral powder by weight percentage. Furthermore, an asphalt concrete material for making asphalt concrete pavement, a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material, and a use of the mineral powder or wave absorbing material in making the asphalt concrete pavement are provided.

Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide, block copolymers having organic soft segments and methods of making the copolymers are provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.

Abstract: A coating structure includes a UV-cured resin layer and a fluoride monomolecular layer. Organosilicon groups of organosilicon molecules extend from the surface of the resin layer. Wax fine powder and oxide nanoparticles emerge from the surface of the resin layer to form mountain-valley-like microstructures. Fluoride molecules of the fluoride monomolecular layer are chemically bonded with the surface of the resin layer to expose the fluoride groups. During the formation of the coating structure, the UV-curable resin layer is first partially cured, then the fluoride molecules are activated to chemically bond to the surface of the resin layer, and thereafter, the UV-curable resin layer is completely cured.