The application of microfluidic platforms is limited because the materials and production methods are too expensive, and the material properties induce problems, such as a lack of optical clarity and low impact strength. Packaging (i.e. sealing a device with a lid) is also a challenge in the fabri…

Across numerous industries, such as oil and natural gas processing, liquid-repellent surfaces are often essential to product development, or even operational sustainability via equipment maintenance. Current liquid repellents are optimized to protect against all liquids, including oil and water (s…

Materials with a coating that repels both water and oil would be advantageous across a wide variety of industries and products. Benefits of this kind of coating could include anti­fouling, self-cleaning, and anti­smudging capabilities. While modern clear coats and paints do offer protectio…

Application of either heat or organic solvents is critical to convert solid materials to fluids. For many applications, particularly biomedical products, high temperature and organic solvents may denature critical biomolecules. Residue of organic solvents may also cause severe contamination. In ad…

Dispersion of nanoparticles into fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) produces superior composites. Current methods face two problems: (1) best practices to disperse nanoparticles FRPs are not defined and (2) methods to maintain resin processability in the presence of nanoparticles are not understood.…

Blowing agents create a cellular structure from a liquid plastic resin and, in certain cases, function as an insulating component of the foam. Hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons and fluorocarbons are common blowing agents in the foam industry for extrusion forming of Polystyrene foam. However…

Damping materials provide energy attenuation solutions for a variety of commercial applications. These materials are prominently used in the auto and aerospace industries and are also found in conventional building practices, and industrial settings. Most standard damping materials work in a limit…

Despite the many attractive features of graphene, the lack of atomic bonds between graphene and substrates and among graphene nanosheets has limited its potential applications. Although theoretical considerations predict that covalent bonds between graphene nanosheets would significantly improve s…

Various polymeric foams, such as polyvinyl chloride foam (PVC), polyurethane foam, polyimide foam, Styrofoam, etc., are used to manufacture components for insulation, plumbing, adhesives, and duct work. Currently available polymeric foams carry a considerable amount of health and safety risks, and…