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NUS researchers develop new aerogels for radiative cooling and the absorption of electromagnetic waves

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Two new studies demonstrate how aerogels could provide cooling to buildings and protection from harmful electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic devices

SINGAPORE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aerogels, known for their porosity and low density, are solid materials that offer versatile functionality — from gobbling up fat globules in weight-management supplements to facilitating more sustainable metal-recycling processes. Traditionally used to provide thermal insulation in the aerospace industry, scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have taken the material to the next level — harnessing its unique properties to provide value to numerous applications in building and construction, environmental remediation, drug delivery, and even clothing and textiles.

In a pioneering effort, a research team led by Associate Professor DUONG Hai-Minh from the Department of Mechanical Engineering under the NUS College of Design and Engineering, has developed aerogels for two new applications: radiative cooling and electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption.

Utilising plastic waste, the team engineered thin-film aerogels that function as thermal insulators and radiative coolers. These aerogels can be applied to any surface, such as building roofs, to reduce internal temperatures, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for energy-free thermal management. The team’s findings were published in the journal Solar Energy on 15 May 2024.

In another study, published in the journal Carbon on 10 January 2024, the NUS researchers devised a simple, scalable method to produce aerogels that absorb EMWs in the X-band, characteristic of those used in weather monitoring and air traffic control. These lightweight, durable aerogels protect against electromagnetic pollution, shielding both humans and sensitive equipment in our increasingly digital world.

The researchers’ work builds on their prior successes in developing aerogels from a variety of waste materials, from plastics and paper to agricultural by-products such as pineapple leaves.

Aerogels for radiative cooling

Traditional cooling systems, such as air conditioners, have a ravenous appetite for energy, accounting for approximately 20% of electricity used in buildings worldwide. The new aerogels developed by the NUS team present a passive cooling alternative, leveraging the natural process of radiative cooling to dissipate heat into space without consuming energy.

“This process involves using specially engineered aerogels to emit infrared radiation through the atmospheric ‘sky window’, effectively cooling surface temperatures below ambient levels,” said Assoc Prof Duong. “We are excited to be able to upcycle fibres from disposable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for the new aerogels designed for this purpose, to help address the global plastic waste crisis.”

Previously the team had worked with PET fibres to produce aerogels, but this latest method is significantly more energy-efficient, consuming about 97 per cent less energy and reducing production time by 96 per cent. When tested in Singapore’s warm climate, conducted in collaboration with Dr Jaesuk HWANG from the Centre for Quantum Technologies at NUS, 0.5 centimetres of the material produced a cooling effect of 2 degrees Celcius, achieved by emitting infrared heat into the surroundings while exhibiting good heat insulation, preventing heat absorption from the surrounding environment.

“These aerogels could reduce energy consumption in both residential and commercial buildings, especially in tropical climates where cooling is now a necessity,” added Assoc Prof Duong.

Future research will focus on adapting these aerogels for diverse climatic conditions and expanding their applications beyond building insulation, such as in industrial processes where the efficient thermal management of liquid circulation pipes is crucial.

Aerogels for electromagnetic wave absorption

Modern electronic devices emit EMWs that can disrupt nearby equipment and pose health risks, including DNA damage and cancer. It is critical, therefore, to develop materials that can effectively absorb EMWs to shield both humans and infrastructure from these adverse effects. Applications include enhancing the privacy and security of buildings as well as protecting sensitive medical equipment.

To address this need, Assoc Prof Duong’s team has developed a scalable and eco-friendly procedure to produce novel aerogels that are effective at EMW absorption. The process involves blending three main components — carbon nanotubes, polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethyl cellulose — followed by freeze-drying.

The aerogel, with a thickness of about 3 millimetres — roughly the width of 40 strands of human hair — demonstrated an impressive performance of absorbing 99.99 per cent of EMW energy. Across the entire X-band (8.2­–12.4 GHz) of the electromagnetic spectrum, used primarily for radar systems, weather monitoring and air traffic control, the aerogel consistently showed its ability to absorb 90 per cent of EMW energy.

“In addition to offering a wide absorption bandwidth of 1.2–2.2 GHz in the X-band, our aerogel is also about 10 times lighter than existing composites used for EMW absorption,” added Assoc Prof Duong. “Unlike other composites, our aerogel requires no mixing with heavy polymer fillers before use.”

The researchers have estimated that producing one square metre of the aerogel, with a thickness of one centimetre, costs less than US$74. This cost is substantially lower than the price of other similar commercial materials, which could range from US$133 to above US$738.

Looking ahead, the team plans to refine the aerogel’s mechanical properties, such as flexibility, to broaden their applicability across various building and infrastructure projects. The researchers also aim to conduct real-world tests to fully assess the EMW absorption capabilities of the aerogels in practical scenarios.

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/new-aerogels-for-radiative-cooling-and-the-absorption-of-electromagnetic-waves/

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SOURCE National University of Singapore

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BOLLINGER MOTORS PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP FOR GOVERNMENT FLEET VEHICLE SALES

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Bollinger B4 Class 4 Electric Trucks Provide Electrification Solution Through NAFG Sourcewell Contract Agreement

OAK PARK, Mich., Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bollinger Motors, Inc., a commercial electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, today announced it has partnered with National Auto Fleet Group (NAFG) to sell its all-electric Class 4 Bollinger B4 commercial trucks to government agencies through NAFG’s Sourcewell-awarded contract #032824-NAF.

“Bollinger Motors is excited to work with National Auto Fleet Group to bring the Bollinger B4 to one of our most important customer groups, government entities at all levels,” said Jim Connelly, chief revenue officer of Bollinger Motors. “Government agencies and municipalities are often early adopters for electrification and electric vehicle fleets. We look forward to partnering with NAFG, and their history of bringing innovative products and solutions to this important segment.”

The Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab is an all-new, all-electric Class 4 commercial truck designed from the ground up with extensive fleet and upfitter input. The vehicle has a range of 185 miles and a payload of 7,394 lbs. Bollinger’s unique chassis design protects the 158-kwh battery pack and components to offer unparalleled capability, performance and safety in the commercial market. The Bollinger B4 is an excellent fit for commercial and government/municipal fleets looking for a world-class truck, capable of performing a variety of job functions.

“At National Auto Fleet Group, we take pride in helping municipalities find and manage their fleet vehicles,” said Ben Rodriguez, HD Manager of National Auto Fleet Group. “The Bollinger B4 is an excellent addition to our vehicle portfolio and will help fill a key product need for multiple government organizations developing electrification strategies.”

Sourcewell is a self-sustaining government organization, with more than 40 years of dedicated service helping government, education, and nonprofit agencies operate more efficiently through a variety of solutions. NAFG is a vehicle vendor catering to government agencies and municipalities across the country. The agreement with NAFG provides Bollinger Motors a conduit to winning more government contracts.

Bollinger Motors has passed numerous milestones in the past several months, including:

Its production launch on Sept. 16;Regulatory achievements including FMVSS compliance, receiving the Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency, and CARB certification;A 145-vehicle agreement with Momentum Group;A 70-vehicle agreement with Doering Fleet Management;A 50-vehicle agreement with EnviroCharge;The addition of Anderson Motors, TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center, Nacarato Truck Centers, Nuss Truck & Equipment, and LaFontaine Automotive Group as dealers and service centers;Working with Our Next Energy in Novi, Michigan, to supply battery packs;Providing a full warranty coverage of the B4 chassis cab; and,Announcing Syncron as its warranty administration partner and Amerit Fleet Solutions as its mobile service provider.

ABOUT BOLLINGER MOTORS

Founded in 2015 by Robert Bollinger, Bollinger Motors, Inc. is a U.S.-based company headquartered in Oak Park, Mich. Bollinger Motors is developing all-electric commercial chassis cab trucks, Classes 4-6. In September of 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority owned company of Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN). Learn more at www.BollingerMotors.com and www.MullenUSA.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Bollinger Motors and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include: (a) Bollinger Motors’ continued partnership with NAFG and NAFG’s ability to sell Bollinger Motors vehicles; (b) Bollinger Motors’ ability to finalize a sales agreement with Momentum Group, Doering Fleet Management, and EnviroCharge and deliver purchased vehicles on schedule; (c) Bollinger Motors’ continued partnership with Nacarato Truck Centers, TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center, Nuss Truck & Equipment, and LaFontaine Automotive Group; (d) Bollinger Motors’ continued partnership with Our Next Energy as a battery supplier; (e) Bollinger Motors’ continued relationship with Syncron as its warranty administration provider; and (f) Bollinger Motors’ continued relationship with Amerit Fleet Solutions as its mobile service provider.

Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) Bollinger Motors’ ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Bollinger Motors’ ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Bollinger Motors’ ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Bollinger Motors’ ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Bollinger Motors’ business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Bollinger Motors’ business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Bollinger Motors’ business; (x) Bollinger Motors’ ability to protect its intellectual property; (xi) the vehicles developed will perform as expected and (xii) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen Automotive, Inc., of which Bollinger Motors is a partially owned subsidiary, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bollinger Motors anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions, and expectations to change. Bollinger Motors assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Bollinger Motors’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

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SOURCE Bollinger Motors

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Furniture.com Launches Deal Finder to Help Shoppers Find Every Single Furniture Deal Online and In-Store this Holiday Season

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Furniture.com’s Deal Finder will source the best deals in furniture

ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Furniture.com, today announced the launch of its Deal Finder, a feature designed to connect shoppers with the best furniture and home goods deals online and in their neighborhoods. Deal Finder is the first of many shopper experience tools that Furniture.com will unveil as it grows in the US market.

About the Deal Finder
The Deal Finder aggregates every furniture deal and promotion from recognizable and trusted brands so customers don’t have to worry about finding the best deals in furniture. Customers easily input their location and find the most relevant deals online and near them.

By utilizing advanced algorithms and real-time data analytics, The Deal Finder will match shoppers with furniture that feels like them, is from a brand they trust, and is nearby.  By bridging the gap between consumers and retailers, and clearing out the unnecessary pop-ups and wild goose chases, Deal Finder will empower users to discover discounts and exclusive offers all while finding incredible design.

Shoppers will find deals from brands like One Kings Lane, Rooms To Go, Lamps Plus and more. To start shopping for better deals this holiday season, check it out here.

The Deal Finder is Part of Furniture.com’s Larger Plan to Re-invigorate Furniture Buying for Everyone.
Searching for furniture can be stressful and furniture buying has long been a point of contention for shoppers: 90% of furniture buyers prefer to test out furniture in-person before making a decision while 74% of buyers start the furniture search online. Furniture.com presents buyers with the tools they need to whittle down their furniture search process so that they can make their decisions faster and more confidently.

“Finding the best deal can be overwhelming. Our Deal Finder will help shoppers in a plethora of ways: from cutting down on hours spent online, to finding local furniture they can actually try out, to making sure they are getting the best deals,” said Alex Seaman, SVP and Co-Founder at Furniture.com “With Deal Finder, we are redefining the shopping experience by ensuring that every consumer can find the products they love without the hassle of endless searching.”

Furniture.com uses intuitive tech, AI, and location-based information to help shoppers find better deals and ultimately, the furniture they crave. The platform is set to transform the way consumers shop, making the furniture buying experience easier, more enjoyable and affordable.

“At Furniture.com, we’re focused on innovating the shopping experiences for retailers and consumers alike,” said Dan Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer at Furniture.com. “We’re committed to revolutionizing how we visualize, experience and purchase from brands in the home goods space and Deal Finder is just the beginning.”

About Furniture.com
Furniture.com is a high-growth technology business that is addressing fundamental challenges in the $200 billion U.S. furniture space. We have one mission: Make finding furniture easy and enjoyable. We have built an advanced discovery tool that facilitates, enhances, and streamlines the furniture purchase journey — both for B2C and B2B. Consumers can search across dozens of brands and thousands of products using our proprietary algorithm, AI tools, and comparison filters to find exactly what they’re looking for. For retail partners, we deliver a digital platform that’s been proven to expand their reach with a new, high-intent furniture audience.

Our team is comprised of world-class furniture experts, technologists, and brand builders. We are data-driven, solution-oriented, and general enthusiasts of beautiful designs and experiences. You can find us in one of our two offices, located in Atlanta and NYC.

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SOURCE Furniture.com

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CaloPal: The Calorie AI Assistant That Makes Weight Loss Easier

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NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the focus on healthy lifestyles grows worldwide, CaloPal introduces a groundbreaking AI-powered calorie tracking assistant, providing global users with a simple and scientific tool for weight management. Using advanced AI technology, CaloPal helps users track their daily calorie intake in real time and offers personalized dietary and health management advice, simplifying the health management process and creating a more effective weight loss solution.

Science shows that the core of weight loss lies in balancing calorie intake and expenditure. However, many people don’t fully understand the connection between food and calories, making it challenging to track food calories and plan calorie intake. Previously, people had to manually input data and perform complex operations to obtain relevant information, which made these tools cumbersome and hard to maintain over time. Additionally, earlier health tools such as calorie counter and calorie tracker couldn’t offer personalized dietary advice, making weight control a lengthy and frustrating process. Now, everything is about to change. CaloPal ensures calorie data accuracy while providing users with personalized dietary recommendations, making weight loss a much easier journey.

Nick, the founder of CaloPal, stated, “CaloPal is a revolutionary AI calorie tracking application designed for users focused on health and weight management. We’ve simplified the calorie tracking process with the latest AI technology. Users only need to take a photo of their food, and CaloPal will automatically identify the food type, analyze its components, calculate calories, and provide a nutritional breakdown. CaloPal allows users to effortlessly track their daily calorie intake without manual input, making health management much more convenient and supporting long-term calorie tracking. Additionally, CaloPal offers personalized dietary recommendations based on users’ data, helping them achieve their weight management goals more easily through balanced nutrition.”

CaloPal assists users in controlling weight through the following features:

Smart Food RecognitionReal-Time Nutritional Data AnalysisPersonalized Weight Loss RecommendationsDiet and Weight Tracking

CaloPal is now available for users to try for free through the app (App Store download link: CaloPal on App Store) and the website, Fitness Pal will be released later this month。For more information about this product and the latest updates on CaloPal, please visit our website:https://calopal.ai/

Media Contact
contact@calopal.ai

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SOURCE CaloPal

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