Abstract:
Device and methods for detecting/quantifying a fluorescent taggant in a liquid sample. Generally, the liquid samples are fuels having low concentrations (measured in ppb) of a fluorescent taggant. The detection/quantification generates a predicted concentration of the fluorescent tagging compound using a process selected from the group of a multivariate process, a background subtraction process, or a combination of both. The invention addresses the detection of an adulteration of gasoline and diesel fuels.
Abstract:
Formation of an authentication element by deposition of a metal layer with embedded particles on a metal substrate, wherein the embedded particles are configured to convert energy from one wavelength to another. The embedded particles may be upconverters, downconverters, or phosphorescent phosphors, which can be detected and measured with analytical equipment when deposited in the metal layer. A metal substrate may include coinage.
Abstract:
Formation of an authentication element by deposition of a metal layer with embedded particles on a metal substrate, wherein the embedded particles are configured to convert energy from one wavelength to another. The embedded particles may be upconverters, downconverters, or phosphorescent phosphors, which can be detected and measured with analytical equipment when deposited in the metal layer. A metal substrate may include coinage.
Abstract:
Marking a petroleum product includes adding a covert dye selected from the group consisting of azadipyrromethene dyes, dipyrromethene dyes, and any combination thereof to the petroleum product and distributing the dye in the petroleum product. A petroleum product selected for analysis may be spectroscopically analyzed for the presence of an azadipyrromethene dye, a dipyrromethene dye, or a combination thereof. A concentration of at least one azadipyrromethene or dipyrromethene dye present in the portion of the petroleum product may be determined to identify the petroleum product as counterfeit, adulterated, or authentic based on the determined concentration of the azadipyrromethene or dipyrromethene dye.
Abstract:
High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100-150 °C to over 450 °C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10 % inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosillicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates. The new technology provides hitherto unobtainable thermal stability and performance characteristics, and has numerous applications in the automotive, aerospace, electronic and marine industries.
Abstract:
A method of forming a thin film of metal nanoparticles useful in optics and electronics includes producing a monolayer of dispersed metal nanoparticles substantially free of stabilizing ligands. Mixing a polymer solution with a metal salt to create a metal precursor solution. Forming the metal precursor solution into a film by removal of solvent, and heating the film to reduce the metal salt and form metal nanoparticles. Further heating the film to remove the polymer solution and form a monolayer of dispersed metal nanoparticles .
Abstract:
A method of forming a thin film of metal nanoparticles useful in optics and electronics includes producing a monolayer of dispersed metal nanoparticles substantially free of stabilizing ligands. Mixing a polymer solution with a metal salt to create a metal precursor solution. Forming the metal precursor solution into a film by removal of solvent, and heating the film to reduce the metal salt and form metal nanoparticles. Further heating the film to remove the polymer solution and form a monolayer of dispersed metal nanoparticles .
Abstract:
High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100-150 DEG C to over 450 DEG C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10 % inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosillicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates. The new technology provides hitherto unobtainable thermal stability and performance characteristics, and has numerous applications in the automotive, aerospace, electronic and marine industries.
Abstract:
A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the putty includes a base and electrically conductive carbon nanotubes.