Firerein Inc.

Queen's University at Kingston

Other

University Court of the University of St. Andrews

Greencentre Canada

Brian Ernest Mariampillai

Yun Yang

Rui Resendes

Philip G Jessop

Timothy James Clark

Sean M Mercer

Michael Cunningham

Tobias Robert

Michael F Cunningham

R Stephen Brown

Charles Howard Honeyman

Cathleen M Crudden

Adam Michael Ozvald

J Hugh Horton

Dominik Wechsler

Kyle J Boniface

Abrar R E Alrashed

Amy Marie Holland

Christopher J Baddeley

Christian R Larrea

Bhanu Prakash Mudraboyina

Resendes Rui,

An etchant is described that includes an N-heterocyclic carbene and optionally an appropriate solvent. The etchant was effective at etching a metallic surface having, for example, a metal oxide and/or metal, in both solution phase and vapour-phase. The etchant has been shown to effectively etch oxidized copper and tungsten.

Etching metal using N-heterocyclic carbenes

The present application provides water-enhancing, fire-suppressing hydrogels that are formulated to minimize toxicity and negative environmental impact. The present application provides a composition comprising: (i) at least one thickening agent; (ii) at least one liquid medium; and, optionally, (iii) one or more suspending agents, wherein the composition consists of &#x3e;75%, by weight, consumer-grade components and wherein the composition is a concentrate that can be mixed with water or an aqueous solution to form a fire-suppressing, water-enhancing hydrogel. Each of the at least one thickening agent, suspending agent and liquid medium can be non-toxic and biodegradable. Also provided are the fire-suppressing, water-enhancing hydrogel and methods of production and use thereof during fire fighting or fire prevention.

Water-enhancing, fire-suppressing hydrogels

The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.

Switchable water-based paint or coating compositions

Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C0, CSor COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Systems and methods for use of water with switchable ionic strength

The present application provides a composite material that comprises a solid and solid-supported non-polymeric switchable moiety, wherein the switchable moiety comprises a functional group that is switchable between a first form and a second form, said first form being neutral and hydrophobic, and said second form being ionized and hydrophilic. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to COat amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said first form when COis removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. COis removed or reduced by exposing the composite material to heat and/or a flushing inert gas such as N, Ar, or air. Envisioned uses of these composite materials includes removing water from non-aqueous solvents, removing water vapor from gaseous mixtures, and cleaning industrial reaction vessels and/or pipelines.

Switchable materials, methods and uses thereof

Growing community of inventors

Inverary, Canada

Brian Ernest Mariampillai