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:
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 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.
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:
Films of magnesium mixed with titanium are produced by non-equilibrium alloying processes such as electron beam evaporation of magnesium and titanium ingots in a very low pressure chamber. Such magnesium-titanium films form as single phase solid solutions. Titanium is inherently resistant to corrosion and its admixture with magnesium in solid solution provides a new composition that is less subject to intra-film galvanic corrosion. The magnesium-titanium films also provide relatively hard and strong coatings.
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:
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.