Polymer Engineering
Articles tagged with Polymer Engineering
Hmeidat, Hubbard named outstanding manufacturing engineers
Toward artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand
Polymer ‘bristles’ could help repel proteins — and germs — from surfaces in medical settings
Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have developed a non-toxic coating made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that prevents proteins from sticking to surfaces. The liquidlike surface covered in PDMS bristles resisted protein adhesion even better than polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
A hemp-based thermoplastic offers a greener alternative to plastic packaging
Researchers have developed a non-toxic, stretchy hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, making it suitable for producing transparent plastic films, coatings, and other common materials currently made from petroleum-based materials.
NSF CAREER Award winner hopes to improve design of soft materials
Wagner's research aims to bridge the gap between molecular structure and mechanical properties, using machine learning to analyze entanglements in polymer chains. This could lead to designing more effective biomimetic tissue implants and other cutting-edge biomedical devices.
Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
Turning plastic waste into clean fuel using sunlight
Researchers develop solar-powered technology to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels, including hydrogen and syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing pollution challenges.
Stick-on gel offers new way to treat and monitor plants
Engineers developed an adhesive gel that can deliver substances into plants' tissues, clearing bacterial infections within 48 hours. The gel sticks to various surfaces, including hairy leaves and stems, and can be removed without damage.
Crab shell by-products could help regulate the marine lifetime of biodegradable plastics
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
Scientists explore whether plastic particles could be linked to significant rises in liver disease
Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.
Hannover Messe: Thin polymer films – the material behind a new generation of pumps
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new class of miniature actuators using ultrathin silicone film-based pumps. The pumps can operate without motors, compressed air, or lubricants and can be switched on and off as needed.
Researchers develop scalable method for safer, compostable packaging
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Hannover Messe: Electronic switches made from smart polymer films – a first step towards flexible circuit boards
Scientists develop a new generation of energy-efficient transistors made from thin, lightweight electrically conducting films. The film-based switch can control the flow of electric current with high precision, enabling complex motion sequences or fixed positions.
No motors? No gears? No problem.
Soft robots could work as medical implants, deliver drugs inside the body, and explore dangerous environments. The researchers designed a reconfigurable robot that can move repeatedly without degradation, using targeted heating to control motion and embedded temperature sensors for closed-loop control.
Researchers turn recovered car battery acid and plastic waste into clean hydrogen
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Stitching precise patterns - with lasers
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new manufacturing strategy to precisely control the formation of laser-induced graphene on polymers. This allows for the creation of flexible microelectrodes and neurochemical biosensors with robust electrical and electrochemical performance.
From cells to smart gels: momentum in motion
Professor Timo Betz's project aims to develop synthetic materials that mimic key behaviors of living cells, including self-organization and physical adaptation. By studying the mechanical properties of living cells, he will recreate part of the cell's interior in a synthetic way.
Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
Stretchy plastics conduct electricity via tiny, whisker-like fibers
Researchers discovered that adding salt additives and water enables PEDOT:PSS to grow hair-like fibers conducting electricity. The material's stretchability and conductivity can be enhanced by adjusting the chemical makeup, making it suitable for bioelectronic devices.
3D printing soft robots
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...
New plastic material could solve energy storage challenge, researchers report
Researchers have developed a novel polymer alloy material made from commercially available plastics that can handle unprecedented high temperatures and store more energy than traditional polymer capacitors. The new material has a dielectric constant of 13.5, allowing it to maintain its performance level from -148 F to 482 F.
A biological material that becomes stronger when wet could replace plastics
Researchers have developed a biointegrated material that resists hydration and increases in strength to values above commodity plastics when wet. The process does not alter the biological nature of chitosan, enabling seamless reintegration into natural ecological cycles.
A UC3M spin-off, 60Nd, secures €2.4 million from the EU to bring magneto-intelligent device to biomedical laboratories around the world
60Nd, a UC3M spin-off, develops NeoMag to study tumor behavior, traumatic brain injuries, and wound healing processes. The technology enables researchers to replicate physical disease behaviors and identify new therapeutic targets.
RESEARCH: New sound-based 3D-printing method enables finer, faster microdevices
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new 3D-printing technique using sound waves to print tiny structures onto soft polymers with greater precision than before. This approach, called proximal sound printing, enables the production of complex microfluidic channels and flexible sensors in a single process.
Team develops smart synthetic material inspired by octopus skin
The team created a programmable smart skin out of hydrogel, enabling enhanced multifunctionality and adjustable properties. The material can encrypt or decrypt information, enable adaptive camouflage, power soft robotics, and more.
Bonding smart, releasing smarter – the development of a reversible glue
Researchers at Newcastle University have created a reversible adhesive that can bond materials together like traditional glue but can also be easily separated. This technology allows for the reuse, repurposing, or recycling of dissimilar materials, making it a game-changer for industries such as packaging and automotive parts.
Team develops smart synthetic material inspired by octopus skin
A team of researchers developed a programmable smart skin out of hydrogel that can be used to encrypt or decrypt information, enable adaptive camouflage and power soft robotics. The material's dynamic control over optical appearance, mechanical response and surface texture can be adjusted using external stimuli.
Lignin nanoparticles enable recyclable paper to rival plastic packaging
Researchers develop a coating strategy using lignin nanoparticles to stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion, forming a multifunctional coating that enhances paper performance while maintaining environmental compatibility. The coated paper exhibits improved barrier properties, mechanical strength, and biodegradability.
New approach to plastic recycling: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Chemical Engineering researchers co-author study
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
The hidden dangers of nanoplastics
Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.
Engineering a low-cost alternative catalyst for producing sustainable petrochemicals
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
Cellulose-based composite sheet for simultaneous adsorption and shielding of radioactive elements
A cellulose-based composite sheet can simultaneously adsorb and shield radioactive elements like cesium, iodine, and strontium. The resulting composite demonstrates its potential for controlling environmental contamination.
Wearable hydrogel that tracks your body anywhere and anytime
Researchers created an ultrathin hydrogel electrode that can track vital signals without interruption, overcoming previous dehydration, freezing, and mechanical fragility issues. The new material forms a flexible layer that can withstand extreme temperatures and retain water content over time.
Solar hydrogen can now be produced efficiently without the scarce metal platinum
A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.
First optical microneedle device in the world enabling glucose quantification in ultra-trace samples
A novel optical microneedle device developed by researchers can quantify glucose levels in ultra-trace samples with high precision, offering a potential solution for blood-sampling-free clinical testing. The device features a functional hydrogel at its tip that reversibly binds to glucose, enabling accurate analysis without consuming t...
The perfect plastic? Plant-based, fully saltwater degradable, zero microplastics
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
An alternative to BPA passes toxicity and sustainability standards set by EU innovation guidelines
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified three bisphenols with negligible estrogenic effects, suitable for replacing BPA in consumer products. The safe and sustainable alternatives are made from renewable resources and demonstrate thermal stability and mechanical properties comparable to BPA-based plastics.
From artificial organs to advanced batteries: A breakthrough 3D-printable polymer
A new type of 3D-printable material made from polyethylene glycol has been developed by a University of Virginia research team. This breakthrough material is biologically friendly and can be stretched, making it suitable for use in larger structures or those requiring flexibility.
Atomic insights could boost chemical manufacturing efficiency
University of Rochester researchers developed algorithms to analyze complex chemistry in propane-to-propylene conversion. The study reveals the importance of defective metal sites and oxide phase stability in catalysts.
Bacterial spores for sustainable smart materials
Scientists from Delft University of Technology have developed living materials that can detect disease biomarkers, catalyze environmental pollutant breakdown, and function as self-healing composites. The materials are made by embedding bacterial spores in a protective barrier and can be programmed to perform specific tasks.
UVA engineering polymer scientist wins American Physical Society’s John H. Dillon Medal
Liheng Cai has challenged long-accepted rules of polymer physics, offering new theories to explain the behavior of associative polymers and solving a conundrum that stumped scientists for nearly 200 years. His work has led to breakthroughs in designing better materials for healthcare and sustainability.
UBCO researchers apply body preservation technique to wood
Researchers test plastination on Western red cedar to create a strong and durable composite material, reducing water absorption by nearly 60% and increasing surface hydrophobicity. The technique offers a powerful alternative to traditional wood preservatives without compromising environmental performance.
Like sculpting from within: New technique builds advanced materials out of basic plastics
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technique to create highly porous materials from everyday plastics by 'sculpting' from within. The new materials have potential applications in batteries, water filtration and high-density electronic storage.
From charged polymers to life-saving innovations
Researchers aim to understand how mixtures of charged polymers form microscopic droplets with unique properties, enabling drug delivery and adhesive applications. The team uses high-resolution measurement techniques to study complex coacervates.
Concentration‑controlled doping turns a p‑type polymer into its n‑type counterpart
A South Korean research team has discovered a molecular-level mechanism to switch the charge polarity of organic polymer semiconductors by adjusting the concentration of a single dopant. This enables polymers to exhibit both p-type and n-type characteristics, eliminating the need for separate materials or complex device architectures.
Understanding water-soluble polymers in wastewater
Lehigh University researchers are collaborating with Dow on a three-year NSF-funded project to understand the chemistry behind full degradation of these polymers. The goal is to develop strategies for selective mixing of microbial communities to target different parts of the polymer for complete breakdown.
Laser 'writes' and 'bends': A dual-laser method creates adaptive, shape-locking devices in situ
Researchers develop novel dual-laser method to create adaptive, shape-locking devices. The material integrates a shape-memory polymer skeleton with magnetic microcapsules, allowing for 'writing' and 'bending' of instructions and shapes in situ.
Solar-powered method lights the way to a ‘de-fossilized’ chemical industry
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid device that combines light-harvesting organic polymers with bacterial enzymes to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into formate, a fuel that can drive further chemical transformations. The new 'semi-artificial leaf' mimics photosynthesis and avoids toxic semico...
Revolutionizing bioplastics: a microbial platform for fully bio-based long-chain polyesters
Scientists have developed an end-to-end microbial process converting renewable plant oils into sustainable polyesters comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The two-step process achieved record-setting yields and productivity, paving the way for a scalable and environmentally viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Designing polymers for use in next-generation bioelectronics
A new AI-based system helps researchers design polymers with tailored electronic properties for next-generation bioelectronics. By processing a wide range of experiments, the system reveals the importance of local polymer order and dopant-polymer separation in controlling electronic properties.
Trailblazing Young Scientists honored with $250,000 prizes at Blavatnik National Awards Gala
Three young scientists received top honors at the 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists, each receiving a $250,000 prize for their innovative work on critical global issues. The awards recognize exceptional scientific achievement and innovation by U.S.-based researchers under 42 years old.
Sticky business: A “stick–peel–reuse” adhesive based on lock-and-key chemistry
Scientists at The University of Osaka developed a polymeric adhesive that can be reused repeatedly by introducing reversible bonds into the interface. This technology could improve manufacturing yield, reduce costs and minimize waste.
Innovative hydrogel for soilless farming, tackling drought and pollution
Researchers at IIT and UniBz developed a biodegradable hydrogel that retains water and supports plant growth in drought conditions, enabling minimal water usage. The material also exhibits potential for real-time monitoring of plant health and soil conditions.
Study provides first evidence that plastic nanoparticles can accumulate in the edible parts of vegetables
Researchers have found that plastic nanoparticles can enter crops during growth, accumulating in edible parts and potentially affecting human health. The study used radishes to demonstrate the uptake of nanoplastics by plants, with nearly 5% of particles retained by the root system.
Scientists transform plastic waste into efficient CO2 capture materials
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to convert plastic waste into a climate solution for efficient and sustainable CO2 capture. The new material, BAETA, can absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere efficiently compared to existing carbon capture technologies.
Paul Motzki receives one of Europe‘s most prestigious research grants to develop innovative cooling systems
Professor Paul Motzki is developing ultra-flat, compact, and lightweight cooling units using shape memory alloys and dielectric elastomer actuators. He aims to create climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to conventional systems.
Pusan National University scientists develop self-deploying material for next-gen robotics
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel, multi-resin dispensing process for fiber-reinforced polymer fabrication, enabling precise patterning of mechanical properties within a monolithic structure. The breakthrough composite material combines flexibility and strength for advanced robotic applications.
Smarter hydrogel surface achieves 5× faster oil–water separation
Researchers have developed a smart hydrogel surface that can instantly recognize whether it's in contact with oil or water and switch its behavior to separate the two. The surface achieves a record-breaking separation speed of 17,750 liters per square meter per hour, three to five times faster than most current membranes.