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: A rate-sensitive protective apparel including an outer fabric shell, first and second sealing material layers positioned within the outer fabric shell, and a shear thickening fluid core disposed between the first and second sealing material layers is provided. The sealing material layers have fibers extending towards the apparel interior and enmeshing the shear thickening fluid core, and the shear thickening fluid directly contacts with the sealing material and the fibers.

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: Provided is an adaptive strap for brassieres having at least one adaptive material layer (10) having a first strength modulus x during static loading and a second strength modulus of at least 2× during dynamic loading of at least approximately 3 Hz oscillation. The adaptive layer (10) is sandwiched between two or more elastic fabric layers (20). The adaptive strap is extendable up to 100% of its initial length during low wearer activity but is extendable not more than 50% during vigorous wearer activity, providing support during exercise and comfort during daily use. In one aspect the adaptive material is a reaction product formed by reacting a silanol terminated polydimethylsiloxane, polymer matrix, boric acid and optional fillers. The adaptive material (10) is cured in situ within the elastic fabric layers (20).

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: 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: A red-luminescent long-afterglow phosphor, represented by MgxZnyGezO3: aMn2+, bEu3+, cR3+. The phosphor is a kind of oxide compound based white powder. The phosphor powder synthesis process is environmentally friendly, no sintering-assisted gas required and no harmful gas generated during or after sintering. The phosphor powder can be excited by UV and is chemically stable.

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: An acrylate based photopolymer with high yellowing resistance, excellent photo sensitivity, high toughness, and high glass transition temperature, methods of preparation and used thereof, and solders comprising the same.

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 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: The present invention discloses a cross-linked nanoporous saccharide-based material comprising saccharides as building blocks, also referred as nanoporous Nanosponge materials. The reaction of saccharides with cross-linkers at different saccharides to cross-linker ratios in one-pot shall allow formation of nanoporous Nanosponge material. This method further allows introduction of new functional groups on this material by the use of suitable cross-linkers and surface grafting agents, and these functional groups shall be able to provide different interaction forces with water, volatile organic vapors (VOCs) and metal ions. Along with larger inner surface area owing to the presence of nanopores or nanocavities in comparison to porous materials, saccharide-based nanoporous Nanosponge materials shall find broad applications in thermal insulation, water retention, hydrophobic finishes, odor removal properties, and metal ions exchange or absorption from water or soil.

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

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: 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 low printing temperature thermoplastic filament composition for fused filament fabrication 3D printing is described. The filament includes polycaprolactone in an amount from 70 to 90 wt %, at least one thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature between approximately 60° C. and approximately 90° C. in an amount from approximately 10 to 30 wt %, at least one antioxidant, and at least one plasticizing agent. This 3D printing filament can be printed out at temperatures below 100° C. and no heated print bed is needed, which saves energy and minimizes the complexity of 3D printer. Besides the low printing temperature, this 3D printing material is bio-friendly which makes it safe for household use.

Abstract: A low printing temperature thermoplastic filament composition for fused filament fabrication 3D printing is described. The filament includes polycaprolactone in an amount from 70 to 90 wt %, at least one thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature between approximately 60° C. and approximately 90° C. in an amount from approximately 10 to 30 wt %, at least one antioxidant, and at least one plasticizing agent. This 3D printing filament can be printed out at temperatures below 100° C. and no heated print bed is needed, which saves energy and minimizes the complexity of 3D printer. Besides the low printing temperature, this 3D printing material is bio-friendly which makes it safe for household use.

Abstract: A self-regenerating chitosan based filter medium for disinfecting and purifying organic pollutants and other pollutants in a gas or liquid is disclosed herein. Porosity and surface charge of said filter medium is manipulative/tunable by varying one or more of the following parameter(s): concentration of chitosan, crosslinking density, amount of copolymers and additives, freezing temperature, freezing profile, and/or types of crosslinker used. The present filter medium is capable of self-regenerating under exposure to ultra-violet light for sufficient time and removing over 90% of the pollutants from each influent flowing through the filter medium.