Articles tagged with Polymer Engineering
Dr. Mark Soucek, a professor at the University of Akron, has been awarded the Roy W. Tess Award in Coatings for his outstanding contributions to coatings science and technology. His research focuses on bio-based feedstocks, alkyd technology, and reactive diluent technologies.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects small cracks and scratches in polymers, highlighting areas of mechanical damage. The system uses microcapsules with pH-sensitive dyes that change color upon stress or fracture, allowing for early detection and prevention of costly failures.
The UMass Amherst program aims to explore new models for graduate education, including T-shaped skills and collaborative work. Students will receive a graduate certificate in Soft Materials for Life Sciences and be prepared for the 21st century global economy.
Researchers have successfully created a new class of uncooled photodetectors that can operate at room temperature, overcoming limitations of existing inorganic detectors. These breakthrough devices will enable various industrial and scientific applications such as optical communications and chemical sensing.
Researchers developed a cross-linked polymer nanocomposite containing boron nitride nanosheets, which can operate at high temperatures, store electricity, and be photo-patterned. The material has higher voltage capability, heat resistance, and bendability.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a polymer mold that can shape liquid silicon into perfect, 3-D single crystal nanostructures. The breakthrough uses extremely short laser pulses to heat the silicon without degrading the polymer mold.
Researchers at The University of Akron have pioneered a new class of hybrid materials by creating tetrahedron building blocks that assemble themselves into strong structures. This breakthrough has the potential to be custom-designed for various functional materials and applications in nanotechnologies.
The researchers demonstrated a chain-growth process to assemble supramolecular polymers at room temperature and pressure. They were able to create polymers with controlled chirality, length, and sequence, opening the way for precision engineering of macromolecules. The findings also suggest potential applications in electronics and sus...
Researchers use magnetic beads and DNA springs to create flexible polymer chains with varying stiffness. The study provides insight into the physics of 'bead-spring' polymers, which can be actuated with magnetic fields.
Researchers at National Taiwan University have reviewed treatment options and imaging tools for peripheral nerve repair, contributing to knowledge in the field. The study proposes several imaging tools that may help visualize peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo and in real-time.
Engineers at MIT and LLNL have created a system to fabricate microstructured materials with great stiffness and strength at ultralow density. The new material has been tested using three engineering materials, metal, ceramic, and polymer, and shown comparable properties.
Researchers have discovered a way to kinetically trap liquids within each other, creating stable systems that can be tailored to specific shapes and flow characteristics. This breakthrough holds promise for applications such as drug delivery, fluidics, and energy storage.
Researchers developed a new strategy to coat microscopic materials, creating a particle system that can degrade under different conditions for timed release of substances. This innovation is expected to advance therapeutics in cancer, vaccines, cardiovascular disease and neural health.
A team of researchers led by Gupreet Singh has devised a method to assemble self-assembled copolymer block films with nanostructures, enabling multiple functions and flexibility on a macroscale level. The films can be embedded with nanoparticles for various applications, including data storage and water purification.
Flexible batteries, powered by polymer electrolytes, are being developed to enable the creation of bendable electronics and transform transportation. These breakthroughs aim to increase battery safety and efficiency, making them suitable for electric vehicles and other applications.
Chemical engineers at the University of Toronto have made an accidental discovery that could lead to improved commercial polymers. The researchers found a new side product in a common polymer synthesis technique, which could reduce inconsistency and increase quality.
Engineers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to analyze polymer photovoltaic cells, enabling deeper understanding of their structure and efficiency. The technique, SERGIS, has been used to map the size and distance between crystallites in PCBM material, key properties for improving solar cell efficiency.
Researchers at Duke University developed a method to control the crumpling and unfolding of large-area graphene films, enabling the creation of artificial muscles with unprecedented properties. The controlled crumpling allows for tunable transparency and opacity, as well as contraction and relaxation on demand.
Researchers have developed a degradable polymer nanoparticle that detects biologically relevant concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, allowing for the non-invasive detection of inflammation. This method enables targeted drug delivery to diseased tissue, holding promise for treating cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
CLiPS program, led by Case Western Reserve University, receives $40 million NSF funding renewal for its transformative polymer research and educational programs. The program supports underrepresented students in STEM careers through the Polymer Envoys program.
Duke University engineers demonstrated that rigidly constraining dielectric materials can increase their energy density and decrease rates of failure. By preventing physical deformation, epoxy acts as a mechanical constraint to enhance the component's ability to carry greater voltage.
A new polymeric material has been developed that can disassemble in response to low-level near infrared light, making it suitable for non-invasive medical procedures. This breakthrough could allow previously inaccessible target sites to be reached for diagnosis and treatment.
The University of Akron and its Research Foundation are partnering with Saudi Arabia to create a vocational training institute for elastomer technology. The High Institute for Elastomer Industries will train KSA high school graduates in elastomer conversion industry, strengthening the state's global leadership in polymers and advanced ...
Hendrik Heinz, a University of Akron researcher, is using advanced simulations to understand organic-inorganic bonding. His work aims to develop new composite materials and devices, such as bone replacement and sensing systems, by harnessing nature's biomineralization process.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.
Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a new material that mimics cilia, allowing for control and potential use in sensing and monitoring applications. The material responds to various stimuli, enabling its application in detecting toxins, oxygen levels, or other environmental factors.
A researcher at Case Western Reserve University is developing new materials inspired by nature, including scratch-resistant coatings and durable fabrics. The materials are engineered to mimic the incredible attributes of natural materials like squid beaks and spider webs.
Researchers have discovered that the byssal cuticle of mussels is a protein-based polymeric scaffold stabilized by dopa-iron complexes, enabling its unique hardness and extensibility. The cuticle's mechanical behavior allows it to dissipate energy from crashing waves while resisting abrasive damage.
Stanford researchers recommend vertical evacuation as a safer alternative to fleeing tsunamis, but only if buildings are reinforced to withstand both earthquakes and tsunamis. The approach could save thousands of lives, especially in cities like Padang where residents live in high-risk zones.
Biomanufacturers are developing fully disposable bioprocess streams to minimize validation studies, sterilization, and cleaning procedures. Companies like GE Healthcare and Pall offer disposable products that reduce inventory costs and improve flexibility in bioprocessing.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a technique to bring nanoparticles to the surface of thin polymer films using heat, allowing for controllable surface patterns. This breakthrough could lead to tiny reusable bar codes and small fluorescent features that turn off with increasing heat or chemical presence.
A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University, VA and NASA Glenn Research Center has unveiled a method for developing mechanically-reinforced polymer nanocomposites. The approach uses a process to assemble nanoparticles into a three-dimensional network before filling it with a polymer, resulting in compatible materials. Th...
Scientists have developed a simple experiment to measure the mechanical properties of thin films, which could impact industries like cosmetics, coatings and nanoelectronics. The new method uses low-power optical microscopy to observe wrinkles in the film, providing insight into material properties.
Researchers developed artificial blood vessels from muscle-derived stem cells and a biodegradable polymer, exhibiting extensive remodeling and blockage-free performance in rat models. The findings have significant implications for treating heart and kidney disorders with 'off-the-shelf' vascular grafts.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed an advanced concept in nanoscale catalyst engineering, improving polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The study identified a clear trend in the behavior of extended and nanoscale surfaces of platinum-bimetallic alloy.
Case Western Reserve University has been awarded a prestigious multimillion-dollar research center by the National Science Foundation, focusing on polymers research. The CLiPS center aims to lead the nation with an integrated program of research and education through its unique microlayering and nanolayering process.
The study reveals that externally applied force influences the dispersion and orientation of carbon nanotubes in composites. The researchers mapped out a phase diagram to estimate the resulting order and achieved desirable properties.
Researchers at VCU have created a unique polymer coating that switches from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when exposed to water, offering potential applications in medical testing and fluid control. The coating's reversible properties make it suitable for various industries.
The team uses heterocycles from DNA to recognize specific complementary groups, creating a reversible surface that can be modified and reused. The new technology has potential applications in body armor and films.
The Virginia Tech trio of Tom Ward, James McGrath, and Garth Wilkes has been awarded the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry for their long-term efforts in educating students in polymer science and engineering. The award recognizes the trio's creation of an interdisciplin...
Carnegie Mellon University chemist Dr. Matyjaszewski has received a prestigious award for his groundbreaking contributions to atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), a controlled living polymerization process that enables precise control over polymer composition and architecture.
Scientists create cell chips using temperature-driven changes in a material, enabling the creation of custom-designed devices for experiments and medical applications. The technology has the potential to revolutionize tissue engineering and medical diagnostics by providing a low-cost, efficient way to create complex devices.
Researchers at Spin Master Toys developed a new bubble solution that can last for weeks, thanks to a strengthening polymer. The 'Catch-A-Bubble' product uses a combination of soap and water to create long-lasting bubbles that can withstand evaporation.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed polymeric brushes with gradient compositional densities, allowing materials to alter their response to environmental changes. These structures can be used in applications such as artificial skin, wound healing, and coatings that provide a barrier against corrosive substances.
Cornell University researchers will create block copolymer electro-optical structures using low-cost materials and simple processing steps. The project aims to revolutionize routine lithographic nanopatterning and integrate soft materials onto silicon chips.
Researchers have created filtration membranes with hydrophilic outer surfaces to resist fouling, increasing the amount of solution that can be passed through. The membranes also exhibit self-healing properties.
Gary Leal, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the Society of Rheology's 2000 Bingham Medal. His research on polymeric liquids, liquid crystalline polymers, and suspensions/emulsions has significantly advanced the field of rheology.
Soft lithography enables fabrication of silicon thin-film transistors on curved substrates with conformable patterning. The technique overcomes photolithography limitations for large-format and unconventional materials applications.
A new polymer material could revolutionize treatment of broken bones by speeding up healing and reducing the need for invasive surgery. The biodegradable material is designed to degrade like a bar of soap, allowing for a gradual transfer of load from the degrading polymer to the healing bone.
A potentially safer, more potent form of aspirin made from polymers called PolyAspirin could eliminate stomach irritation and other side effects. The polymer-based drug consists of linked aspirin molecules that break down in the intestine, allowing for efficient delivery and reduced side effects.
Virginia Tech researchers create optoelectronic devices using ionically self-assembled monolayers, overcoming stability challenges in nonlinear optical materials. The breakthrough could lead to conformal coatings for Mach-Zender interferometers and enable new applications in laser systems and data storage.
Cornell University materials engineers have created a polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanocomposite that can be used to deliver drugs to the human brain or bloodstream. The material, with chains of polymer molecules controlling drug flow, has potential applications in tissue engineering and enzyme carriers.
A new polymer-drug combination has inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines by up to 97% in two previous treatments. Researchers are now investigating the effects of varying metal combinations, hoping to find a more effective treatment for this deadly form of cancer.
Researchers develop a new method for labeling cell surfaces with azide markers, which can target cancer therapy, medical implants, and viral-mediated gene transfer. The Staudinger ligation technique uses an electron-hungry carbohydrate trap to prevent instability in water, enabling stable amide bonds.
Researchers at UMass have made a major step forward in nanoscopic pattern transfer, creating precise designs on polymer films without the use of chemicals. The breakthrough has implications for producing smaller integrated circuits, magnetic storage, and on-chip sensors.
Researchers at UMass have created a miniature UMass logo using nanotechnology, with potential applications in creating smaller electronic devices and increasing magnetic storage. This breakthrough is part of a larger push to develop new technologies through the study of nature's own self-assembling molecular structures.
A Cornell University research team led by Paulette Clancy is developing novel semiconducting materials using polymers, which could lead to cheaper and more portable 'throwaway electronics.' The project aims to create new materials for light-emitting diode displays and flexible laptop screens.
Sandia National Laboratories is showcasing cutting-edge MicroElectricalMechanical Systems (MEMs) innovations at the Santa Clara show. The technology has vast applications in medical treatment, anti-terrorism, and engineering systems, with potential annual market value of $100 billion by 2030.
A team of scientists discovered that polymer molecules in ultra-thin films of 14 nanometers retain their shape and size comparable to their bulk counterparts. This finding challenges previous simulations, which suggested minimal changes in molecular structure with decreasing film thickness.
The Institute of Materials is seeking abstracts for Materials Congress 2000, a major meeting of materials engineers and scientists. The event will attract 600 delegates and include a comprehensive conference programme, exhibitions, and social activities.