University of Southern California

Other

Travis J Williams

Zhiyao Lu

Jeff Joseph A Celaje

Carlos F Navarro

Steven Nutt

Yijia Ma

Sri R Narayan

Elizabeth Demetriades

Emine Boz

Debanjan Mitra

Ivan Demianets

Valery Cherepakhin

Brian L Conley

A method for recycling matrix residues includes steps of degrading a target epoxy to form matrix residues, collecting the matrix residues, and adding the matrix residues into a polymer-forming formulation. Characteristically, the polymer-forming formulation includes multifunctional anhydride monomers and polyfunctional co-reactant monomers.

Recovery and reuse of acid digested amine/epoxy-based composite matrices

A method of aerobic depolymerization of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites using sustainable reagents and conditions. A cured matrix is digested into soluble monomers and oligomers by catalytic aerobic oxidation. Carbon fibers are removed for re-use, then the remaining material is treated and valuable monomers are isolated. The isolated monomers can be converted back into resin precursors for re-use. The method solves the problem created because the typically irreversible cure reaction impedes recycling and re-use of FRP composites.

Aerobic depolymerization of fiber-reinforced composites

A floor mat including a mat assembly, a frame assembly, a case assembly and a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The mat assembly includes a mat mounted to a frame of the frame assembly. A user lays on the mat and underneath a vehicle of the vehicle assembly needing repairs. Mounted onto the frame are lights. The lights are positioned to illuminate the vehicle and regions needing repairs. The user can complete repairs unassisted and at night with the lights. Underneath of the frame are wheels for maneuvering and positioning of the mat and the user underneath of the vehicle. The mat includes heating members to provide heat and comfort to the user as they work in harsh weather conditions. The case assembly includes a case for storing and transporting the frame. The floor mat increases the safety, comfort and efficiency of the user when repairs are being completed.

Floor mat

Conversion of vegetable-derived triglycerides to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) is a popular approach to the generation of biodiesel fuels and the basis of a growing industry. Drawbacks of the strategy are that (a) the glycerol backbone of the triglyceride is discarded as waste in this synthesis, and (2) many natural triglycerides are multiply-unsaturated or fully saturated, giving inferior performance and causing engine problems with long-term use. Here, we show that catalysis by iridium complex 1 can address both of these problems through selective reduction of triglycerides high in polyunsaturated fatty esters to FAMEs with high oleate concentration. This is realized using hydrogen imbedded in the triglyceride backbone, concurrently generating lactate as a value-added Cproduct. Additional methanol or glycerol as a hydrogen source enables reduction of corn and soybean oils to &#x3e;80% oleate.

Conversion of corn oil to upgraded biodiesel and poly(lactic acid)

A compound having formula I that is useful for C&#x2550;O reduction is provided: wherein:M is a transition metal;X, Xare each independently a counterion; andR, R, Rare each independently H, Calkyl, Caryl, or Cheteroaryl.

Nickel-based catalysts for C=O reduction and oxygen evolution

This disclosure provides a microencapsulated capsule or microparticle comprising a nutrient-filled core encapsulated in an enteric coating. The microparticles are useful in the treatment of a variety of disorders when ingested or administered to a subject in need thereof. Alternate non-encapsulated methods and compositions for providing the desired intestinal release are provided included modified nutrient composition and matrix embedded nutrient.

Enterically coated microparticle compositions and methods for modified nutrient delivery

A formic acid decomposition catalyst system includes organometallic complexes having formula 1: 

Dehydrogenation of neat formic acid

A catalyst system includes a complex having formula I which advantageously has a sterically protecting N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) carbene-pyridine ligand to handle harsh reactions conditions than many prior art catalysts: wherein M is a transition metal; o is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; Ris a Calkyl, a Caryl, or an optionally substituted Cheteroaryl. In a refinement, Ris methyl, ethyl, butyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, or t-butyl; R, R, R' are independently an optionally substituted Calkyl, halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, etc), NO, an optionally substituted Caryl, or an optionally substituted Cheteroaryl; R, R&#x2032; are independently an optionally substituted Calkyl, halo, NO, an optionally substituted Caryl, or an optionally substituted Cheteroaryl; and Xis a negatively charge counter ion and L, Lare each independently a neutral ligand.

Highly robust efficient catalyst for selective dehydrogenation of neat glycerol to lactic acid

A formic acid decomposition catalyst system includes organometallic complexes having formula 1:  wherein:

A formic acid decomposition catalyst system includes metal-ligand complexes having formula 1: wherein M is a transition metal; R, Rare independently Calkyl groups; o is 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rare independently hydrogen, Calkyl groups, OR, NO, or halogen; R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, are independently hydrogen or Calkyl groups; Ris a Calkyl group; and Xis a negatively charge counter ion.

A ruthenium bis(pyrazolyl)borate scaffold that enables cooperative reduction reactivity in which boron and ruthenium centers work in concert to effect selective nitrile reduction is provided. The pre-catalyst compound [&#x3ba;-(1-pz)HB(N&#x2550;CHCH)]Ru(cymene)TfO(pz=pyrazolyl) was synthesized using readily-available materials through a straightforward route, thus making it an appealing catalyst for a number of reactions.

Dual site catalyst for mild, selective nitrile reduction

A method for forming a fluorinated compound includes a step of forming a sulfonate ester of a polyethylene glycol. The sulfonate ester is then reacted with a fluorinated diol in the presence of a base such that the polyethylene glycol is attached to one of the hydroxyl groups in the fluorinated diol. The other hydroxyl group in the fluorinated diol is reacted is converted into a leaving group and reacted with an number of nucleophiles. Complexes of the fluorinated compounds that as useful in Magnetic Resonance Imaging are also provided.

Synthesis of highly fluorinated amines for use in polymers and biomaterials

Ligand-metal bifunctional ruthenium complexes are efficient catalysts for the liberation of two or more molar equivalents of hydrogen from ammonia-borane, a prospective hydrogen storage medium. In some cases, the mechanism for the dehydrogenation features a ruthenium hydride resting state from which dihydrogen loss is the rate-determining step.

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Travis J Williams