Abstract:
Thermostatic materials and methods for making and using the materials are disclosed. The thermostatic materials have phase change materials (PCMs) incorporated into a composite with thermoreversible gels (TRGs) that undergo gelation prior to the melt temperature of the PCMs so that at temperatures at which the PCMs become liquid, the liquid PCM is retained by the gel, and at temperatures at which the gel becomes liquid, the liquid form of the gel is retained by a solid form of the PCM.
Abstract:
Food packaging and methods of making and using such packaging are disclosed. Food packaging having at least one agent may be disposed within a shape memory polymer which is adapted to release the agent in response to a stimulus. Such packaging may be used, for example, to detect environmental conditions during transport or storage, maintain a temperature of the food to preserve food quality, or provide a pleasant sensory experience to a consumer.
Abstract:
A polymeric flexible substrate may be formed from h-BN sheets having a monolayer of hexagonal born nitride interspersed with domains of at least one functionalized material. The functionalized h-BN sheets may be used in various electronic components such as in circuit boards and touch sensors.
Abstract:
Fluorinated siloxane compositions, and methods of making and using the fluorinated siloxanes are disclosed. The polymers described herein may exhibit self-healing properties, a low dielectric constant, and a low refractive index. In some embodiments, a method of making a siloxane compound may involve contacting a silicon metal with a fluorinated compound to form a dichlorosilane compound, hydrolyzing the dichlorosilane compound to form a fluorinated tetrasiloxane compound, and contacting the fluorinated tetrasiloxane compound with a metal catalyst to form a fluorinated cyclic siloxane (D4) compound.
Abstract:
Hydrophilic, self-cleaning coating compositions and methods to make and use the compositions are disclosed. The coatings comprise perlite and/or expanded perlite that are activated with hydrophilic agents. The perlites when incorporated in paints provide hydrophilic, self-cleaning and/or biocidal property to the coating.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are gemini surfactants, and methods for making and using these gemini surfactants. These gemini surfactants may be incorporated in paints and coatings to provide hydrophilic and/or self-cleaning properties.
Abstract:
Graphene composites are disclosed. The graphene composites may include, for example, a photoswitchable layer, a graphene layer, and a substrate. The graphene composites may, in some embodiments, include a graphene layer with photoswitchable surface characteristics. Methods of making the graphene composite are further disclosed. Devices and systems configured to make and use the composites are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present technology provides an illustrative hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) detection device that includes a decomposition component, a charged particle filter, and a sensing component. The decomposition component is configured to irradiate a gas sample with a radioactive element to decompose HFC gas under conditions sufficient to form hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas and one or more ionized particles. The charged particle filter is configured to filter the one or more ionized particles, and the sensing component is configured to detect the HF gas.
Abstract:
Composite foams having cells containing shape-stabilized phase change material (ss-PCM) particles are described. Composite foams may be made by contacting a plurality of ss-PCM particles and one or more pre-polymer reactants, wherein each ss-PCM particle can form a nucleation site for foam cell generation. The composite foams may be used in regulating the temperature of an article wherein the foam undergoes a phase transition as the surrounding temperature of the article approaches the foam's phase transition temperature. The thermostatic material may exchange heat with the article during the phase transition, resulting in regulation of the temperature of the article. The composite foams may be used as a thermostatic packaging material having a cavity for storing goods.
Abstract:
Techniques described herein are generally related to graphene membranes having gas-permeable substrates. Various example substrates may include a gas-permeable substrate with a convoluted surface and a graphene layer on the gas-permeable substrate. The membranes may also include nanopores formed on the graphene layer. The membranes may exhibit improved permeability properties. Methods and systems configured to make and use the membranes are also disclosed.