An aggregate includes a polymeric foam present in a range of about 80 vol % to about 85 vol % of the aggregate. A cementitious matrix is present in a range of about 10 vol % to about 13 vol % of the aggregate. One or more resins are present in an amount of less than about 2 vol % of the aggregate, and one or more reinforcing fibers are present in an amount of less than about 1 vol % of the aggregate.

An aggregate includes a polymeric foam present in a range of about 80 vol % to about 85 vol % of the aggregate. A cementitious matrix is present in a range of about 10 vol % to about 13 vol % of the aggregate. One or more resins are present in an amount of less than about 2 vol % of the aggregate, and one or more reinforcing fibers are present in an amount of less than about 1 vol % of the aggregate.

A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of endothermic particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, wherein the endothermic particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of endothermic particles and the polymer (excluding any solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has an endotherm of greater than 200 J/g; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as a filler, thermal energy absorbers, and passive battery safety components.

A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of endothermic particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, wherein the endothermic particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of endothermic particles and the polymer (excluding any solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has an endotherm of greater than 200 J/g; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as a filler, thermal energy absorbers, and passive battery safety components.

In one aspect, a fiber-reinforced polymer is disclosed, which comprises a resin, and a plurality of carbon fiber filaments distributed throughout the resin, where at least about 60 percent of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another. In some embodiments, at least about 70 percent, or at least about 80 percent, or at least about 90 percent, of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another.

In one aspect, a fiber-reinforced polymer is disclosed, which comprises a resin, and a plurality of carbon fiber filaments distributed throughout the resin, where at least about 60 percent of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another. In some embodiments, at least about 70 percent, or at least about 80 percent, or at least about 90 percent, of the carbon filaments are substantially aligned relative to one another.

A shape-memory epoxy polymer graphene foam composite (SMEP-GrF) is formed from an open cell graphene foam (GrF) surrounded by and infiltrated with a shape-memory epoxy polymer (SMEP) matrix, with the GrF being an intra-connected framework within the SMEP matrix. The SMEP-GrF provides self-healing properties to a device fabricated from the SMEP-GrF. The SMEP-GrF is formed by infusion of an epoxy resin and hardener in an open cell GrF and curing the infused GrF.

A functional material has, as a first component, a thermoset plastic material, as a second component, a binding material for binding the thermoset plastic material, and, as a third component, at least one additive, which is configured to improve a burning behavior, wherein the burning behavior corresponds at least to a fire reaction class C as given by DIN EN 113501-1 [German/European norm 113501-1]. A method is intended for producing such a functional material and an element is produced from such a functional material.

A functional material has, as a first component, a thermoset plastic material, as a second component, a binding material for binding the thermoset plastic material, and, as a third component, at least one additive, which is configured to improve a burning behavior, wherein the burning behavior corresponds at least to a fire reaction class C as given by DIN EN 113501-1 [German/European norm 113501-1]. A method is intended for producing such a functional material and an element is produced from such a functional material.

A structure for protecting a substrate. The structure comprises an inner tie coat layer which can bond to the substrate, a geopolymer foam layer, and an outer protective layer. The geopolymer foam layer is the reaction product of a mixture comprising an aluminosilicate source, an alkali activator, reinforcing fibres, and a plurality of microparticles.