Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Kun Lian

Qinglin Wu

Zhong-Geng Ling

We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Nanoparticles, nanosponges, methods of synthesis, and methods of use

Carbon-encased metal nanoparticles and sponges as wood/plant preservatives or strengthening fillers

A method to decrease the surface roughness of exposed PMMA surfaces has been discovered. PMMA surface roughness was decreased by a post-exposure heat treatment of less than 70&deg; C. The optimum post-exposure heat treatment to produce a PMMA microstructures with a smooth surface was found to be about 60&deg; C. for about 30 min. The structural features of post-exposure heat-treated PMMA patterns were not statistically different from otherwise identical features of untreated PMMA patterns. This method produces a smoother PMMA structure that may then optionally be glued on a substrate or that may be assembled with other PMMA structures into a three-dimensional or multilayer microstructure.

Growing community of inventors

Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America

Kun Lian