Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible pressure sensor array and method for fabricating the same. The pressure sensor array comprises a pressure-sensing substrate, top electrodes and bottom electrodes. The pressure-sensing substrate comprises a piezoresistive material, a fabric and pressure-sensing columns. The top electrodes and the bottom electrodes are attached to the pressure-sensing columns. The pressure sensor array is ultra-flexible and conforms to 3-dimensional surface for pressure monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-storey modular building including at least a first and a second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules each having at least a beam, a column, and one horizontal structure selected from a ceiling or a floor at least partially attached to two or more of the beams and columns. A connection system includes at least one vertical alignment connector attached to a horizontal load-distributing plate positioned between the first and second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules for connecting the first and second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules, where a top portion thereof is positioned in a grout accepting cavity in the bottom end of the column of the second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated module and that in the top end of the column of the first lightweight concrete-based prefabricated module. In-situ grout embeds the vertical alignment connector in each grout accepting cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible electric generator and methods for fabricating the same. The flexible electric generator comprises a flexible triboelectric layer covering the electrode layer of a flexible piezoelectric generator that enhances output power by combining piezoelectric effect and triboelectric effect. The reliability of the flexible electric generator under bending is also improved due to the presence of the flexible triboelectric layer. The fabrication methods of the disclosed flexible electric generators are simple, thereby enabling large-scale manufacturing.

Abstract: Flame retardant composition including: an optionally crosslinked rubber, an intumescent composition comprising a phosphate and a melamine polymer formed by combining melamine, formaldehyde, dicyandiamide, and aluminum hydroxide thereby forming the intumescent composition, a ceramic forming mixture, at least one glass additive, layered silicate nanoparticles, and optionally an antioxidant; and methods of preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent EMI shielding film that includes a first transparent polymeric substrate layer. A first conductive mesh layer having a first pattern is printed on the first layer, the conductive mesh having a line width from approximately 5 ?m to approximately 500 ?m and having a space between two adjacent conductive lines of 100 ?m to 1000 ?m. The conductive mesh blocks electromagnetic signals. A second transparent polymeric layer is positioned over the first transparent polymeric substrate layer having the first conductive mesh layer printed thereon. A second conductive mesh layer having a second pattern is printed on the second transparent polymeric layer, the second pattern being substantially identical to the first pattern, and being substantially identically positioned above the first pattern in order to maximize transparent spaces between adjacent conductive lines. The transparency is approximately 80% or greater in a visible light spectral region.

Abstract: Provided herein are energy absorbing composites including a thermoplastic resin, a dilatant, a compatibilizer, a reinforcing filler, and optionally an antioxidant and methods of preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anisotropic, thermal conductive, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite including a plurality of aligned polymer nanofibers to form a polymer mat or scaffold having a first and second planes of orientation of the polymer nanofibers. The first plane of orientation of the polymer nanofibers has a thermal conductivity substantially the same as or similar to that of the second plane, and the thermal conductivity of the first or second plane of orientation of the polymer nanofibers is at least 2-fold of that of a third plane of orientation of the polymer nanofibers which is about 90 degrees out of the first and second planes of orientation of the polymer nanofibers, respectively, while the electrical resistance of each of the first and second planes is at least 3 orders lower than that of the third plane. A method for preparing the present composite is also provided.

Abstract: A water filtration membrane is provided, capable of removing heavy metal ions, filtering out particulates, filtering out bacteria, as well as removing herbicides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. The membrane is composed of a mat of randomly oriented nanoparticle-coated nanofibers. The nanofibers are covalently bonded to a plurality of substantially uniformly-distributed ceramic nanoparticles embedded in or adhered on the surface of the polymer nanofibers through reactive functional groups. The ceramic nanoparticles have a pattern of deep grooves formed on the nanoparticle surfaces. The bonding of the nanoparticles to the nanofibers is sufficient to retain the nanoparticles on the nanofiber surfaces when water flows through the water filtration membrane. The diameter of the nanofibers is 50-200 nm. The size of the nanoparticles is <40 nm, with a zeta potential of ?40 to ?45 mV in a dispersion medium. The nanoparticle deep grooves have an average size of approximately 1.2 nm or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular integrated construction joint which includes a first building module, a second building module or a structural wall and a joint between the first building module and the second building module or structural wall. The joint includes a flexible seamless stitching system, which provides a long-term firestop, smokestop and waterproof for the joint cavity in-between modules in modular integrated construction (MiC).

Abstract: The present invention provides a master batch composition for environmentally degrading conventional plastics including a carrier resin, at least one oxidative degradant, at least one nature biodegradable degradant and at least one foaming agent. The present invention also provides a plastic product which is environmentally degradable at a very low cost versus conventional bio-sourced plastics, and has broad applications for single-use disposable applications or for short-lived products that are discarded within two years of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides new impact protection materials and the method of making the same. More specifically, the impact protection materials are polymer-based shear-thickening composite comprising a non-shear-thickening polymer matrix material and one or more shear-thickening materials. Preferably, the non-shear-thickening polymer matrix material is in an amount from approximately 5 weight percent to approximately 90 weight percent with the balance being one or more shear-thickening materials. The first type of the one or more shear-thickening materials is sol-gel based shear-thickening material in which small inorganic particles are connected in a gel network; the second type is polymer-based shear-thickening material in which polymer chains form network. Compared to the existing shear-thickening materials, the present shear-thickening materials have different molecular structure and formulation and possess properties of good impact protection and good stability.

Abstract: A visible light activated ink that produces a color change when exposed to visible light is provided. The ink includes a visible light activated photochromic compound, one or more binders, additives including one or more surfactants, and a solvent. The visible light activated ink is substantially colorless in the as-deposited state and requires a visible light intensity of approximately 300 W/m2 or greater at a wavelength of approximately 400-700 nm to produce a color change.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an encapsulated particle for anti-UV radiation. The encapsulated particle includes a core comprising an anti-UV agent, and a shell at least partially enclosing the core and comprising a polymer. Due to the presence of the shell, the anti-UV agent can be released into surroundings at a controlled manner. The encapsulated particle can be incorporated into coatings or articles to extend their service life.

Abstract: A quantum dot-based color display includes a backlight unit with a light source and light source distribution layer and a photo down-conversion light emissive layer. The photo down-conversion layer has populations of light-emitting Group II-VI core-shell structure quantum dots, the core having an excess amount of a Group II component in a ratio to a Group VI component of approximately 6:1 or greater. The quantum dots include an organic fraction of approximately 20 weight percent to approximately 45 weight percent, the organic fraction including ligands bound to quantum dot surfaces in an as-deposited state and including one or more long-chain fatty acids. Non-barrier polymer films are positioned on either side of the photo down conversion light emissive layer which exhibits photo stability at a light intensity of at least 4000 W/m2. A display panel cooperates with the back light unit to form the display.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fire retardant composition that includes a non-intumescent composition and an intumescent composition, fire retardant coatings including the same, and methods of preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A durable, hydrophobic and anti-scratching nano-coating for coating on a glass substrate or surface having a water contact angle of about 90° or more, a reduced coefficient of friction by 50% or more, and a reduced surface roughness compared to those of the glass substrate or surface without the nano-coating is provided, which includes a layer of fluorinated silica derived from sol-gel hydrolysis between one or more tetraalkoxysilanes having at least three alkoxy groups and one or more polyfluorinated silanes having at least a trialkoxysilane and from 15 to 17 fluorine atoms in the presence of a catalyst to a reaction mixture of the sol-gel hydrolysis between the one or more tetraalkoxysilanes and the one or more polyfluorinated silanes, and a solvent. A related method of fabricating the nano-coating via atomization of acid-containing or alkali-containing solution and sol-gel precursor solution onto the glass surface is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparation of perovskite quantum dot (PQD)/polymer/ceramic ternary complex includes encapsulation of bifunctional coating including ceramic and polymer. Encapsulation sequence of polymer and ceramic may be altered according to the application. In one scenario, the perovskite quantum dots may be protected with ceramic coating first and further coated with polymer to obtain the perovskite/ceramic/polymer ternary complex. In another scenario, the perovskite quantum dots may be protected with polymer coating first and followed by ceramic coating to obtain the perovskite/polymer/ceramic ternary complex. The PQD ternary complex may provide synergistic effect on improvement of stability towards heat and moisture when compared to existing technology.

Abstract: A self-locking connection system for modular construction (e.g., MiC and PPVC) is provided for interlocking an upper module column to a lower module column. A horizontal load transfer plate has first and second inner sleeve portions positioned beneath and above the plate. The sleeves are configured and dimensioned to be received within the respective module columns. Spring-loaded latches in both sleeve portions engage respective column receiving apertures. Each latch may include a latch plate having a wedge-shaped latch protrusion connecting to a vertical latch surface. The latch plate has one or more latch plate apertures for receiving a rod within a coil spring. An optional second reversible self-locking mechanism interlocks the connected modules to a building load-bearing support such as a core wall. The second self-locking mechanism includes an angled protrusion extending from the horizontal load transfer plate to mate with a protrusion-receiving structure embedded in the load-bearing support.

Abstract: An electronically-activated, self-molding and re-shapeable load-bearing support structure system is provided that includes a first composite structure. The first composite structure includes a first layer of a first thermally-responsive polymer; one or more first heating elements positioned adjacent to the first layer on a first heating element side; a second layer of the first thermally-responsive polymer positioned adjacent to the first heating elements on a second heating element side; a temperature sensor communicating with at least the first layer or the second layer of the first thermally-responsive polymer; one or more electrical connectors electrically communicating with the heating elements; and an electrical controller detachably connectable to at least one of the electrical connectors of the composite for providing an electrical current to the heating elements. A method of molding the load-bearing support structure system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charging device for a button/coin cell rechargeable lithium ion battery. A receiving inductor coil receives energy from a transmitting inductor coil which is passed to a wireless charging receiving circuit which is in electrical communication with the receiving inductor coil. The wireless charging receiving circuit communicates with a charging control circuit, a voltage regulation circuit, and a battery protection circuit in electrical communication with one another. The voltage regulation circuit includes a 1.8 V to 3.3 V constant voltage output regulator circuit to maintain a constant voltage output in loading currents ranging from approximately 10 ?A to approximately 300 mA.