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: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric generator and methods for fabricating the same. The semiconductor legs and electrodes of the thermoelectric generator are embedded in one or more flexible polymer matrices providing protection to the semiconductor legs and electrodes to maintain good electric contacts among them during bending. Thus, the output power of the thermoelectric generator can be substantially retained even after a large number of bending cycles.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric generator and methods for fabricating the same. The semiconductor legs and electrodes of the thermoelectric generator are embedded in one or more flexible polymer matrices providing protection to the semiconductor legs and electrodes to maintain good electric contacts among them during bending. Thus, the output power of the thermoelectric generator can be substantially retained even after a large number of bending cycles.

Abstract: A method of designing and modifying electrode materials for a battery device is disclosed in this invention. The method includes constructing a first principle model for battery electrode material properties estimation and screening. The method also includes applying a structural and compositional modification on the first principle model. In some embodiments, the method includes developing a hybrid physical model to estimate the battery cell cycling behavior with the calculated and experimental parameters. The method and the simulation models have the advantage that both atomic level and physical structure will be considered for the battery electrode and its modified derivatives with small compositional or structural changes. Therefore, both the time consumption and accuracy for battery electrode material designing and modification for specific application requirements can be improved.

Abstract: A method of designing and modifying electrode materials for a battery device is disclosed in this invention. The method includes constructing a first principle model for battery electrode material properties estimation and screening. The method also includes applying a structural and compositional modification on the first principle model. In some embodiments, the method includes developing a hybrid physical model to estimate the battery cell cycling behavior with the calculated and experimental parameters. The method and the simulation models have the advantage that both atomic level and physical structure will be considered for the battery electrode and its modified derivatives with small compositional or structural changes. Therefore, both the time consumption and accuracy for battery electrode material designing and modification for specific application requirements can be improved.