Leah N Appelhans

Title: Innovations of Leah N Appelhans

Introduction

Leah N Appelhans is a prominent inventor based in Tijeras, NM (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development of advanced polymers. With a total of 7 patents to her name, her work focuses on enhancing the properties of materials for various applications.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Crosslinked polymers with tunable coefficients of thermal expansion." This invention addresses the thermal expansion mismatch between encapsulants and the objects they encapsulate. By incorporating a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) moiety into the thermoset resin or polymer backbone, her invention allows for better compatibility in thermal environments. The negative CTE moiety acts as a thermal contractile unit, which can shrink due to thermally induced conversion, making it suitable for various applications, including passive energy generation and piezoelectric applications.

Another notable patent is "Use of latent metathesis polymerization systems for additive manufacturing." This invention involves latent metathesis-active resin compositions that can be utilized in additive manufacturing processes. The method includes extruding a latent metathesis-active resin and triggering polymerization through directed irradiation or thermal stimuli. This innovation opens new avenues for direct-ink write printing and stereolithographic printing of objects.

Career Highlights

Leah N Appelhans is currently employed at National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC. Her work at this organization has allowed her to explore and develop cutting-edge technologies in polymer science.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Leah has collaborated with notable colleagues, including David R Wheeler and Samuel Leguizamon. These partnerships have contributed to her innovative research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Leah N Appelhans is a trailblazer in the field of polymer science, with a focus on creating materials that meet the demands of modern technology. Her patents reflect her commitment to innovation and her ability to address complex challenges in materials engineering.