Abstract:
According to an embodiment, a method for grafting POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) nanomaterial to graphene oxide is described for use in preparation of high performance composite materials. In another embodiment, amine functionalized graphene oxide may be particularly suitable. In this embodiment, POSS molecules grafted to amine functionalized graphene oxide are synthesized by reacting graphene oxide with different POSS molecules. The amine functionalized graphene oxide may be dissolved in a solvent and the reaction may include the presence of a catalyst. The resultant POSS grafted graphene oxide/POSS grafted amine functionalized graphene oxide may be mixed with a resin (epoxy) in a masterbatch. The masterbatch may then be packaged and sold. The masterbatch material may then be introduced into the interlaminar area of graphite/epoxy composites. Biodegradability and interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the use of epoxy based nanocomposites containing POSS modified graphene oxide polymer are expected to improve.
Abstract:
This disclosure addresses a problem in relation to the environmental destruction that excessive apparel production can produce. In various embodiments, existing textile products are deconstructed into pieces of fabric and then reassembled into apparel in a manner that creates minimal or zero waste. In some embodiments, the fabric pieces will be positioned inside of one or more pattern pieces so as to completely cover each one without overlapping its border. The positioned pieces will be treated with an adhesive and then have a paper layer adhered to it to hold the positioned fabric pieces in place while they are stitched together. Then, the resulting sandwich will be soaked to remove the paper and dissolve the adhesive. The resulting unified fabric component will then be available to be stitched together with other similarly formed fabric components to form a garment.
Abstract:
According to an embodiment, natural polymers will be used to enhance the biodegradability of nanocomposites, increase potential use of sustainable polymer matrices, improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of graphite/epoxy composites and attain complete nanoparticle dispersion through covalent bonding of nanoparticles and natural polymers. The starch derivatives containing POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) were synthesized by reacting natural polymer with different POSS molecules in a solvent in presence of a catalyst. Interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the epoxy based nanocomposites containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt % POSS modified natural polymer in the interlaminar area are presented. The biodegradability of the composites is expected to improve through the incorporation of the natural polymer derivatives.
Abstract:
Firstly, a custom designed 3D printer with x-y-z gantry robot with an accuracy of 0.1 μm was adapted with a custom designed printing head (51b). Secondly, a two component silicone elastomer suitable for RP was developed that incorporates the desired characteristics and properties similar to those commercially available for the provision of facial and body prostheses. The silicone elastomer is composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains, filler, catalyst and crosslinker. By varying the amount of these components the mechanical properties of the silicone elastomer can be altered, for example, tensile strength, tear strength, hardness and wettability. To achieve these desired properties consideration must also be given to the set time and viscosity of the silicone elastomer and additionally the speed at which the material is printed.
Abstract:
Broad-based, cross-protective, O-serotype independent vaccines against Shigella and related pathogenic organisms are provided. The vaccines comprise one or more of the type III secretion (TTS) apparatus needle proteins IpaD and IpaB, and/or the IpaB cognate chaperone protein IpgC. Chimeric proteins of IpaD and IpaB, and/or IpgC are also encompassed.
Abstract:
Antigenic molecules and compositions described herein protect against infection by typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars. Methods of immunization comprise the use of the antigenic molecules.
Abstract:
Providing a microbial catalyst in a reaction broth, providing an adsorptive solid into the reaction broth, providing a producer gas into the reaction broth, and obtaining a fermentation product from the reaction broth resulting from activity of the microbial catalyst in the presence of the adsorptive solid.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing bacterial infections in animals such as bovines are provided. The compositions and methods utilize the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus to treat and/or prevent infections such as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Use of the bacterium obviates the need for chemotherapeutic measures.
Abstract:
A method of preparing a contaminant phosphorous adsorber comprises providing a slag material, sieving the slag material to remove particles smaller than about 0.5 millimeters in diameter and precipitating amorphous Al hydroxide minerals on the surface of the sieved slag prior to exposing the slag to phosphorous.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a person's own RBCs can be recruited as secondary bioscavenger carriers in vivo using a nanopolymer-BChE complex, with an affinity ligand (antibody or peptide) for selective targeting to the RBCs and a cell-penetrating peptide for uptake into the RBCs. A general approach according to an embodiment involves parenteral administration of the nanodevice to gain access to the systemic circulation, which then seeks out and attaches to the person's RBCs, followed by transport into the RBCs (to minimize clearance from the circulation), leading to long-term circulation of the bioscavenger enzymes and thus protection against intoxication.