University of Dayton

United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Chyi-Shan Wang

Jar-Wha Lee

Max D Alexander

D Mark Husband

Thaddeus E Helminiak

Ivan J Goldfarb

Richard A Vaia

A method of reinforcing a polymeric material with carbon nanofibers is provided in which carbon nanofibers are combined with a polymer and a solvent for the polymer to form a substantially homogeneous mixture, followed by removal of the solvent by evaporation or coagulation. The resulting conductive polymeric nanocomposite material exhibits high electrical and thermal conductivity, enhanced mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability.

Conductive polymeric nanocomposite materials

Method of forming conductive polymeric nanocomposite materials

A method for processing thermally intractable rigid-chain polymers into shaped structural articles is provided. The method includes dissolving a rigid-chain polymer in sulfuric acid at a concentration and temperature sufficient to form a nematic liquid crystalline solution which is then formed into a shaped article and cooled to a solid. The solution undergoes a phase transformation upon cooling from a liquid crystalline phase to a solid phase containing crystal solvates. The method allows rigid-chain polymers to be formed into fibers, bulk structural components, fiber reinforced composites and other structural materials without undergoing significant shrinkage or deformation.

Method for processing rigid-chain polymers into structural materials

A method is provided for forming a highly conductive metal-containing polymer fiber or sheet in which a polymer is immersed in a solution containing a metal precursor selected from organic or inorganic salts of copper, silver, aluminum, gold, iron and nickel. The metal precursor is then reduced by chemical, electrochemical, or thermal means such that conductive metal is incorporated into the polymer.

Method of making conductive metal-containing polymer fibers and sheets

A method for preparing optical quality, thin films of polymers and co-polymers, as well as blends of such polymers or co-polymers with flexible polymers and co-polymers which comprises

Solid state coagulation of optical quality polymer thin films

A method for preparing optical quality, thin films of rigid-rod polymers and co-polymers, as well as blends of such polymers or co-polymers with flexible coil-like aromatic heterocyclic polymers and co-polymers which comprises

Controlled coagulation of rigid-chain polymer thin films

A process for fabricating rod-like aromatic heterocyclic polymer-reinforced composite materials into shaped articles which comprises the steps of:

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Beavercreek, OH, United States of America

Chyi-Shan Wang