US – Page 186 – TechConnect Briefs

Reinforcing Kevlar by Thin Outer Graphene Shell

Martirosyan K.S., Zyskin M., University of Texas at Brownsville, US

The development of advanced method to reinforce Kevlar fibers by using 2D graphene structures is reported. This method is based on the ultrasonic-assisted swelling of the polymeric fiber in a graphene suspension with the use [...]

Enhancement of the magneto-optical activity via surface plasmon resonance on Au-Co nanocomposite thin films

Yang K., Clavero C., Skuza J., Lukaszew R.A., College of William and Mary, US

We find that the Au-Co nanocomposite thin films grown at 300 ºC, which exhibit segregate nano-cluster microstructure and smooth surface capable of SPP propagation, exhibit largest magneto-optical effects than the films grown at lower and [...]

Broadband infrared reflecting thin films inspired by quasi-ordered photonic structures in squid tissue

Rotstein R., Sweeney A.M., Holt A., Stucky G.D., Morse D.E., UCSB, US

We present a novel synthetic approach to replicating the optical properties of quasi-ordered photonic structures in the silver-colored tissue in Loliginid squid. The squid system exhibits broadband reflectance in the visible spectrum. Rod-like polystyrene particles, [...]

Upconverting Nanophosphors for High Temperature Sensing Applications

Guo X., Zhao H., Song H., Chen Q., Li K.K., Zou Y.K., Jiang H., Combs C., Narayanaswamy V., Clemens N., Boston Applied Technologies, Inc., US

In this work, a unique upconverting thermographic phosphor technique was developed for overcoming the difficulties encountered currently in the down-conversion route. Upconverting nanopowders of rare earths doped refractory oxides were synthesized through a wet chemical [...]

Graphene Nanoplatelet Membranes for Aerospace Applications

Rawal S., Ravine J., Czerw R., Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, US

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), conceptually described as unrolled carbon nanotubes, exhibit attractive properties including the highest thermal conductivity known and twice the surface area of carbon nanotubes. By blending with a minimal ratio of carbon nanotubes [...]

Super-Hydrophobic Nano-Composite Films

Helmrich F., Integrated Surface Technologies, US

An improved super-hydrophobic nano-composite film protects cell phones and other portable electronics from accidental exposure to water or other liquids. The printed circuit boards, the connectors and the batteries are coated. Perfect electrical contact is [...]

Adhesion strength and superhydrophobicity in polyurethane/organoclay nanocomposites

Steele A., Bayer I., Yeong Y.H., Loth E., University of Virginia, US

Polyurethane coatings are used on many different materials and in a wide variety of applications due to its high durability and adaptable chemical composition. Although there are a number of reports on the fabrication of [...]

Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Superhydrophobicity of Polyurethane/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Yeong Y.H., Steele A., Bayer I., Lakeman C., De Combarieu G., Loth E., University of Virginia, US

Recent preliminary investigations show that superhydrophobic coatings have the capability to reduce both ice accumulation and adhesion on a surface. Although there are recent studies of anti-icing superhydrophobic surfaces, the authors are not aware of [...]

Silicon and Germanium Nanocrystal Thin Films Prepared Using Innovative Nonaqueous Electrophoretic Deposition

Haag M., Sipe J., Universal Nanotech Corporation, US

As cost effective synthetic routes for producing large quantities of high purity size-specific nanoparticles become fully realized, the next challenge lies in fabricating devices that utilize the unique size-dependent optoelectronic properties inherent in quantum dot [...]

Monitoring of glass transition at a polymer surface by localized surface plasmon resonance

Kaan Kalkan A., Putla R.K., Oklahoma State University, US

The temperature below which a polymer is in glassy state and above which is in viscous state is called the glass transition temperature (Tg). Investigations on polymer surfaces by various groups revealed that the surface [...]