Methods of making permeable aerogels (100) can include providing a sol mixture (110) comprising an organic scaffold, an inorganic aerogel precursor, and a first solvent. The organic scaffold can be insoluble in the first solvent. The sol mixture can react to form a gel (120) such that an interconnected channel network is formed which is at least partially defined by the organic scaffold. The first solvent in the gel can be exchanged (130) with a second solvent. The second solvent can dissolve the organic scaffold to expose the interconnected channel network. The gel can be dried (140) to form the permeable aerogel.

There is provided a method of making a fluidic system that comprises assembling a fluidic system comprising a first plate, a second plate and a membrane disposed between the first plate and the second plate; applying laser energy to the fluidic system to cause the first plate, the second plate and the membrane to melt at bonding areas; and allowing the bonding areas to cool down such that the first plate, the second plate and the membrane are bonded together.

There is provided a method of making a fluidic system that comprises assembling a fluidic system comprising a first plate, a second plate and a membrane disposed between the first plate and the second plate; applying laser energy to the fluidic system to cause the first plate, the second plate and the membrane to melt at bonding areas; and allowing the bonding areas to cool down such that the first plate, the second plate and the membrane are bonded together.

Solution casting a nanostructure. Preparing a template by ablating nanoholes in a substrate using single-femtosecond laser machining. Replicating the nanoholes by applying a solution of a polymer and a solvent into the template. After the solvent has substantially dissipated, removing the replica from the substrate.

An additive manufacturing process includes pressurizing and heating a slurry, flowing the pressurized heated slurry through a nozzle, and depositing the slurry in a predetermined pattern.

Methods of making permeable aerogels (100) can include providing a sol mixture (110) comprising an organic scaffold, an inorganic aerogel precursor, and a first solvent. The organic scaffold can be insoluble in the first solvent. The sol mixture can react to form a gel (120) such that an interconnected channel network is formed which is at least partially defined by the organic scaffold. The first solvent in the gel can be exchanged (130) with a second solvent. The second solvent can dissolve the organic scaffold to expose the interconnected channel network. The gel can be dried (140) to form the permeable aerogel.

Solution casting a nanostructure. Preparing a template by ablating nanoholes in a substrate using single-femtosecond laser machining. Replicating the nanoholes by applying a solution of a polymer and a solvent into the template. After the solvent has substantially dissipated, removing the replica from the substrate.

The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a foamable celluloid product by introducing a solid component (comprising nitrocellulose, chemical blowing agent (CBA), stabilizer and alcohol) and a liquid component (comprising camphor and acetone) into a mixer/devolatilizer machine where the chamber is under atmospheric pressure and having significant overhead space. The chamber is comprised of two zones wherein the first zone has a temperature that is less than the second zone and at least one rotor comprising hollow, temperature-controlled arms having a tilted angle affixed to the rotors. The rotors of the mixer/devolatilizer machine act to mix the solid and liquid components under lower shearing forces, lower mechanical stress and longer residence times than those used by twin-screw extruders.

The present invention is directed to a process for making combustible foam celluloid munition parts having high aspect ratios, different densities or having an insert embedded into the foam celluloid munition part. The process for making such foam celluloid munition part requires pre-soaking dry particles of celluloid, placing the celluloid particles into a munition part mold, exposing the celluloid particles to high heat and pressure until the celluloid particles expand and fuse into the shape of the mold. Varying the density or the size of the celluloid particles used in the process produces munition parts having different densities. In addition, the placement of inserts into the particles prior to exposure to high heat and pressure produces munition parts having inserts that are useful for identification and tracking of such parts.

Solution casting a nanostructure. Preparing a template by ablating nanoholes in a substrate using single-femtosecond laser machining. Replicating the nanoholes by applying a solution of a polymer and a solvent into the template. After the solvent has substantially dissipated, removing the replica from the substrate.