Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221009 | Hydrophobic self-cleaning coating compositions - A super hydrophobic self cleaning coating composition that can be applied by conventional methods such as by spraying the composition onto a surface creating a wet and dry dirt repellent coating on the surface. The super hydrophobic self cleaning coatings are used on exterior automotive and boat surfaces, and in many other applications, to produce a self cleaning surface, reduce adherence of dirt and contaminants to a treated surface, and reduce drag in some applications providing an energy savings. The coating utilizes a blend of organic and/or inorganic polymers with hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania in a volatile solvent which evaporates at ambient temperature. The coating solves the problem of poor resistance to UV light, opaque appearance, and/or some abrasion resistance not found in previous coatings of similar nature. A preferred coating has good resistance to UV light and some resistance to abrasion. Clear, nearly transparent and translucent coatings are produced as compared to conventional coatings of comparable hydrophobicity which are typically white or opaque. The coating can be applied by a single and easy spraying method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying the film by evaporation of the solvent at ambient temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Embodiments of the super hydrophobic self-cleaning coating composition result in a clear coating or in some cases a translucent dirt repellant film for coating on painted material, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, fiberglass or a polymer substrate. The coating utilizes a blend of organic and/or inorganic polymers with hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania in a volatile solvent. At least one preferred coating composition comprising an effective amount of a treated fumed silica in a solvent resulting in a coated surface providing a contact angle of at least 165 degrees as compared to water having a contact angle of from 10 to 15 degrees on a noncoated surface. The composition imparts a degree of hydrophobicity to a surface so that the surface will have a tilt angle of sliding of less than 2 degrees as compared to water on a noncoated surface having a tilt angle of sliding of 90 degrees or higher. The coating composition is removed by washing with a detergent or applying pressure to the coating wiping same from the treated surface. Exposure to water in the form of rain or snow does not remove the coating composition. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221263 | Coating compositions for producing transparent super-hydrophobic surfaces - A coating composition and process for generating transparent, near-transparent, and semi-transparent super-hydrophobic coatings on surfaces having a contact angle of greater than 165 degrees. The composition comprises hydrophobic nanoparticles of silsesquioxanes containing adhesion promoter groups and low surface energy groups. | 09-11-2008 |
20080242566 | GEAR OIL COMPOSITION CONTAINING NANOMATERIAL - The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition. | 10-02-2008 |
20080250978 | Hydrophobic self-cleaning coating composition - The present invention provides a water based, low VOC super hydrophobic coating composition that can be used to make wet and dry dirt repellent surfaces to keep the surfaces clean for a reasonable period of time. The coating utilizes hydrophobic nanoparticles dispersed in water. This treatment produces a virtually transparent coating releasing very little or no VOC compounds whereas previous coatings of comparable hydrophobicity release up to 99 percent VOC compounds. The coating can be applied by a simple, single application method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. A preferred coating can be easily removed and renewed when desired. The aqueous hydrophobic self cleaning coating composition that can be applied by conventional methods such as by spraying the composition onto a surface creating a wet and dry dirt repellent coating on the surface. The hydrophobic self cleaning coatings are used on exterior automotive and boat surfaces, and in many other applications, to produce a self cleaning surface, reduce adherence of dirt and contaminants to a treated surface, and reduce drag in some applications providing an energy savings. The coating solves the problem of poor resistance to UV light, opaque appearance, and/or abrasion found in previous coatings of similar nature. A preferred coating has good resistance to UV light and some resistance to abrasion. Clear, nearly transparent and translucent coatings are produced as compared to conventional coatings of comparable hydrophobicity which are typically white or opaque. The coating can be applied by a single and easy spraying method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying the film by evaporation of the solvent wetting solution and water based carrier at ambient temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Embodiments of the hydrophobic self-cleaning coating composition can be produced resulting in a clear coating or in some cases a translucent dirt repellant film or coating on painted material, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, fiberglass or a polymer substrate. The coating typically utilizes hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania wetted by a hydrophilic solvent such as acetone for no VOC applications, or with mineral spirits, alcohol or a light distillate if VOC are not a consideration, together with a selected surfactant typically having an HLB value in a range of from 9 to 13. | 10-16-2008 |
20080287326 | Lubricants with enhanced thermal conductivity containing nanomaterial for automatic transmission fluids, power transmission fluids and hydraulic steering applications - A lubricant composition having an enhanced thermal conductivity, up to 80% greater than its conventional analogues, and methods of preparation for these fluids are identified. One preferred composition contains a base oil, nanomaterial, and a dispersing agent or surfactant for the purpose of stabilizing the nanomaterial. One preferred nanomaterial is a high thermal conductivity graphite, exceeding 80 W/m in thermal conductivity. The graphite is ground, milled, or naturally prepared to obtain a mean particle size less than 500 nm in diameter, and preferably less than 100 nm, and most preferably less than 50 nm. The graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanofibrils, and nanoparticles are another type of graphitic structure useful in the present invention. Other high thermal conductivity carbon materials are also acceptable. To confer long-term stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants or surfactants is useful. The thermal conductivity enhancement, compared to the fluid without graphite, is proportional to the amount of nanomaterials added. The graphite nanomaterials contribute to the overall fluid viscosity, partly or completely eliminating the need for viscosity index improvers and providing a very high viscosity index. Particle size and dispersing chemistry is controlled to get the desired combination of viscosity and thermal conductivity increase from the base oil while controlling the amount of temporary viscosity loss in shear fields. The resulting fluids have unique properties due to the high thermal conductivity and high viscosity index of the suspended particles, as well as their small size. | 11-20-2008 |
20090018249 | Hydrophobic self-cleaning coating compositions - A hydrophobic self cleaning coating composition that can be applied by conventional methods such as by spraying the composition onto a surface forming creating a wet and dry dirt repellent coating on the surface. The coating utilizes hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania in a solvent which evaporates at ambient temperature. The coating solves the problem of poor resistance to UV light, opaque appearance, and/or abrasion found in previous coatings of similar nature. Virtually transparent coating are produced as compared to conventional coatings of comparable hydrophobicity which are typically white or opaque. The coating can be applied by a single and easy spraying method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying the film by evaporation of the solvent at ambient temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Embodiments of the hydrophobic self-cleaning coating composition can be produced resulting in a clear coating or in some cases a translucent dirt repellant film or coating on painted material, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, fiberglass or a polymer substrate. One preferred coating composition utilizing an effective amount of a treated fumed silica in a solvent forms a coated surface providing a contact angle of at least 165 degrees as compared to water having a contact angle of from 10 to 15 degrees on a noncoated surface. The self-cleaning coating composition imparts a degree of hydrophobicity to a surface so that the treated surface will have a tilt angle of sliding of less than 2 degrees as compared to water on a noncoated surface having a tilt angle of sliding of 90 degrees or higher. | 01-15-2009 |
20090064894 | WATER BASED HYDROPHOBIC SELF-CLEANING COATING COMPOSITIONS - A coating composition comprising hydrophobic particles having an average size of between 7 nm and 4,000 nm and a wetting agent for promoting dispersion of the hydrophobic particles in water. The hydrophobic particles may be oxides, such as silica, titania, or zinc oxide. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic particles comprise fumed silica. The coating composition may be brushed, spin coated, or dipped onto a surface. In one embodiment, once the coating composition dries, the coating formed thereby is characterized by a contact angle formed with a water droplet in excess of 165 degrees. A method of making a coating composition comprising providing hydrophobic particles having an average size of between 7 nm and 4,000 nm, mixing a wetting agent with the hydrophobic particles to form a paste, and dispersing the paste in water by mixing to form a mixture. | 03-12-2009 |
20090131289 | Preparation of stable nanotube dispersions in liquids - The introduction of nanotubes in a liquid provides a means for changing the physical and/or chemical properties of the liquid. Improvements in heat transfer, electrical properties, viscosity, and lubricity can be realized upon dispersion of nanotubes in liquids; however, nanotubes behave like hydrophobic particles and tend to clump together in liquids. Methods of preparing stable dispersions of nanotubes are described and surfactants/dispersants are identified which can disperse carbon nanotubes in aqueous and petroleum liquid medium. The appropriate dispersant is chosen for the carbon nanotube and the water or oil based medium and the dispersant is dissolved into the liquid medium to form a solution. The carbon nanotube is added to the dispersant containing the solution with agitation, ultrasonication, and/or combinations thereof. | 05-21-2009 |
20090283363 | QUICK OIL CHANGE APPARATUS AND PROCESS - A method and apparatus for changing engine motor oil more quickly and simply than previously existing methods. To change oil on a gasoline or diesel engine, the conventional oil filter is removed and an adapter is screwed in its place. An inlet oil port of the adapter connects with the oil filter inlet line and an outlet port of the adapter connects to the oil filter outlet line. The adapter top is sealed with a recessed O-ring extending around the periphery so that oil can be pumped through the adapter into and out of the engine without leaking. The adapter inlet and outlet ports are connected by hoses/tubes to an external container with its own internal piston. The engine is turned on to idle and the engine oil pump pumps used oil from the oil pan out through the adapter outlet port into the external container. An external feed pump or valve can be used with an accumulator to temporarily hold a portion of the new oil pushed out of the piston/cylinder reducing the initial oil flow back into the engine providing enough oil flow and pressure to maintain adequate lubrication and reduce the dilution of new oil with used oil maximizing the quality of the replacement oil and minimizing the amount of new oil required in the displacement process. | 11-19-2009 |
20090298725 | Enhancing thermal conductivity of fluids with graphite nanoparticles and carbon nanotube - Fluid compositions that have enhanced thermal conductivity, up to 250% greater than their conventional analogues, and methods of preparation for these fluids are identified. The compositions contain at a minimum, a fluid media such as oil or water, and a selected effective amount of carbon nanomaterials necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a high thermal conductivity graphite, exceeding that of the neat fluid to be dispersed therein in thermal conductivity, and ground, milled, or naturally prepared with mean particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less than 200 nm, and most preferably less than 100 nm. The graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanotube with graphitic structure is another preferred source of carbon nanomaterial, although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable. To confer long term stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants is preferred. The thermal conductivity enhancement, compared to the fluid without carbon nanomaterial, is somehow proportional to the amount of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and/or graphite) added. | 12-03-2009 |
20100022422 | High temperature shear stable nanographite dispersion lubricants with enhanced thermal conductivity and method for making - A process for producing a nanographite dispersion in a fluid wherein the thermal conductivity of the dispersion is enhanced from the base fluid by more than 10% for a 1% graphite dispersion. A high purity graphite with high crystallinity and reduced surface damage and oxidation is selected as the starting material. The starting material is subjected to a process of wet media milling in the presence of dispersant and solvent fluid. The mill temperature is controlled to control and reduce surface damage to yield a nanographite with flake shape and controlled aspect ratio until a particle size average of 300 nm diameter and 50 nm is obtained. The process recycles a portion of the milled material to increase the ratio of small particle distribution to large particles in an intermediate product with small and large particle bi-modal distribution. The large particle distribution is removed by a separation process such as centrifugation or filtration. | 01-28-2010 |
20110177252 | COATING COMPOSITIONS FOR PRODUCING TRANSPARENT SUPER-HYDROPHOBIC SURFACES - A coating composition and process for generating transparent, near-transparent, and semi-transparent super-hydrophobic coatings on surfaces having a contact angle of greater than 165 degrees. The composition comprises hydrophobic nanoparticles of silsesquioxanes containing adhesion promoter groups and low surface energy groups. | 07-21-2011 |
20120142814 | HYDROPHOBIC COATING COMPOSITIONS FOR DRAG REDUCTION - A hydrophobic coating has been made for use on interior pipe surfaces, exterior boat surfaces, and in many other applications, to reduce drag in fluid flow, thus providing an energy savings. The coating utilizes a blend of organic and/or inorganic polymers with hydrophobic nanoparticles of fumed silica and/or titania in a solvent. The coating solves the problem of poor resistance to UV light and/or abrasion found in previous coatings of similar nature. The coating of the present invention can be made to be translucent and nearly transparent whereas previous coatings of comparable hydrophobicity have all been white or opaque. The coating can be applied in a single application by an easy spraying method and the super hydrophobic property can be achieved by drying the film at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. A preferred coating has good resistance to UV light and some resistance to abrasion. The hydrophobic drag reduction coating composition forms an almost clear, translucent film or coating on painted material, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, fiberglass or polymer substrate. A preferred coating composition comprising an effective amount of a treated fumed silica in a solvent resulting in a coated surface providing a contact angle of at least 165 degrees as compared to water having a contact angle of from 10 to 15 degrees on a noncoated surface. The composition imparts a degree of hydrophobicity to a surface so that the surface will have a tilt angle of sliding of less than 2 degrees as compared to water on a noncoated surface having a tilt angle of sliding of 90 degrees or higher. | 06-07-2012 |
20130042378 | ANTI-BURN GARMENT - A protective garment for a human forearm. The protective garment includes a main body portion having opposing first and second longitudinal ends. There is an interior surface that faces the forearm and an exterior surface that faces away from the forearm. The main body portion includes an expandable wrist band coupled to the first longitudinal end of the main body portion. The exterior surface includes a second plurality of raised portions that is configured to dissipate heat transferred from a heated surface contacting the exterior surface. | 02-21-2013 |
20140048354 | LUBRICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING DIP LUBRICATION POWER LOSS - Energy loss in a dip lubrication system is reduced by reducing the immersion depth of the gear within a pool of oil. This can be accomplished by increasing the pressure within the dip lubrication system which effectively reduces the flow rate of the oil so that the oil remains separated from the oil pool for a longer period of time thereby reducing the oil level and the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool. Alternately, this can be accomplished by substituting a higher density gas for air which has the same effect. In a third embodiment the immersed gear includes wind vanes that direct air against the oil pool creating a trough which effectively reduces the immersion depth of the gear within the oil pool. | 02-20-2014 |