Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-encapsulated phase-change material (nano-PCM), its preparation method, and its applications thereof. The nano-PCM includes at least one phase change core material; an inner polymeric shell; and an outer inorganic shell. The outer inorganic shell surrounds the inner polymeric shell. The nano-PCM offers enhanced thermal stability, efficient heat transfer, and improved dispersion in materials like fabrics and plastics due to its small size and large surface area. It provides thermal regulation for various products, such as clothing and packaging, by storing and releasing energy to buffer temperature fluctuations. Additionally, nano-PCM outperforms micro-PCM in thermal stability, mechanical performance, and lifespan, making it ideal for high-temperature processes and multiple thermal cycles.

Abstract: An energy dissipating fiber and fabric for protective textile application, which can absorb energy during shocking, stretching and vibration. The disclosed fiber/fabric can include a polymer matrix, a shear-thickening material and a reinforcing filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for forming polymeric multifilaments having a filament diameter of no more than 10 ?m with a high tensile strength and toughness. The composition includes at least one semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent to stabilize the multifilaments during melt-spinning and facilitate phase transformation of the thermoplastic polymer in subsequent drawing and annealing cycles. The method includes a quenching step for the melt-spun filaments immediately after the melt-spinning and collection of the quenched filaments with a specific winding speed to decrease the filament diameter. The subsequent drawing and annealing cycles further enhance the mechanical properties of the filaments after the quenching.

Abstract: An impact dissipating bollard system includes a vertical stanchion and a composite energy-absorbing deformable cartridge configured to be positioned within a retaining foundation that includes a rigid core portion including a stanchion-receiving aperture and first and second projections extending from the rigid core portion. The first and second projections, together with the core portion, form the dumbbell shape. Energy-absorbing resilient elastic material surrounds the rigid core portion and is positioned within recesses within the first and second projections. The bollard system is configured such that impact energy is transferred from the vertical stanchion to deform the composite energy-absorbing deformable cartridge. The bollard system retaining foundation includes a reinforcing frame embedded in concrete and having a strength of least 30 MPa.

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: 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: An energy dissipating fiber and fabric for protective textile application, which can absorb energy during shocking, stretching and vibration. The disclosed fiber/fabric can include a polymer matrix, a shear-thickening material and a reinforcing filler.

Abstract: A burst-resistant, dispersible nano-encapsulated phase-change material includes at least one phase change core material and a shell. The shell includes the reaction product of a plurality of non-phase change materials comprising at least one monomer, an initiator, a crosslinker and at least one surfactant. The shell surrounds at least one phase change core material and is formed by low-energy emulsification followed by polymerization of a mixture of the phase change core material and the plurality of non-phase change materials in water. The mass ratio between at least one phase change core material and the plurality of non-phase change materials is 5-15:10. The nano-encapsulated phase-change material after said low-energy emulsification and polymerization has a particle size ranging between 50 and 500 nm and a heat of fusion of 60 J/g or greater.

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: Provided herein are flame retardant composition and methods of preparation and use thereof.