Articles tagged with Polymer Engineering
The Welch Institute has appointed Matthew Tirrell, a renowned material scientist, to chair its Scientific Advisory Board. His expertise in nanotechnology and biomolecular engineering will help the institute accelerate discovery and innovation in advanced materials.
Pengfei Cao, a polymer chemist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been recognized for his significant contributions in polymeric materials science. He is the first ORNL scientist to win the award, which honors early-career emerging leaders who have made notable contributions within seven years of beginning their independent careers.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.
Researchers developed a new phosphorescent material inspired by wood's natural ability to faintly glow, using lignin trapped within a 3D polymer network. The material glows visibly for around one second and has potential applications in medical imaging, optical sensing, and textile industry.
Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.
Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed a new approach called click-to-polymer (CLIP) to attach functional units to polymer semiconductors, overcoming limitations in their functionality. The CLIP method enables the creation of multifunctional conjugated polymers for human-integrated electronics, including disease detecto...
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a copper-containing polymer that greatly enhances the antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide. The use of these tailored polymers resulted in higher catalytic activity and more effective killing of bacteria, opening up new design avenues for antimicrobial drugs.
David C. Martin, a University of Delaware professor, is advancing novel polymeric materials to integrate electronics with human brain tissue. He has been named a Materials Research Society Fellow for his work on conjugated polymers for interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue.
The UMass Amherst team has made a significant breakthrough in creating ultrathin flexible materials that can self-organize and respond immediately to mechanical force. By modifying the curvature and tension of a membrane, researchers were able to control the positions of tiny solid plates within the membrane.
Researchers found that microbes from termite species can break down lignin, the toughest of three polymers in straw, up to 37%. The microbes also efficiently degrade hemicelluloses and cellulose, which could lead to increased biofuel production.
A novel film developed by NUS researchers can evaporate sweat six times faster and hold 15 times more moisture than conventional materials. This breakthrough technology can power small wearable devices like watches and fitness trackers.
The study found that repetitive cycles of wet-dry conditions led to progressive evolution of polymer compartments, affecting molecule exchange and composition. This research sheds light on prebiotic Earth and has implications for designing electronics and drug delivery systems.
Researchers successfully degrade PET plastic using a two-enzyme system and engineered chimeric enzyme that works synergistically to break down the plastic pollutant. The discovery could lead to new methods for plastics depolymerization, offering an alternative to traditional recycling methods.
A new study demonstrates a modified 3D-printing process producing multiple colors from a single ink by mimicking nature's structural coloration. The method uses nanoscale structures called photonic crystals to reflect light and produce vivid colors.
Researchers at Rice University have found that the size of the space trapping petrochemicals is the primary factor behind puzzling NMR signals, leading to better interpretation of logs in unconventional shale formations. The discovery is crucial for extracting oil and gas safely and economically.
New research published in PNAS finds the missing link between soft surface adhesion and the roughness of the hard surface it touches. The study reveals that small-scale roughness can create more surface area for soft materials to grip, explaining predicted adhesion behavior.
Researchers at Rice University developed bottlebrush copolymers to refine surface coatings, making them more waterproof or conductive. The polymers' migration to top and bottom of thin films can effectively decouple properties of bulk coating from exposed surfaces.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of polymer that is nearly as hard as diamond and can deflect bullets more effectively than solid materials. The polymers are inspired by theoretical structures called tubulanes, which were predicted to have extraordinary strength.
UD researchers create a network of synthetic materials mimicking the mechanical gradient of a bristle worm's jaw system, governing its mechanical properties through metal coordination chemistry. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials for various applications, including soft robotics and medical devices.
A team of researchers, led by Professor Yu Zhu, has developed a novel shear-thickening electrolyte that can improve the safety of lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The electrolyte becomes thicker under impact, preventing short-circuiting and fires.
Researchers developed a new methodology to create stretchable polymer composites with improved electrical and thermal properties. The materials are promising candidates for use in soft robotics, self-healing electronics, and medical devices.
Researchers at University of Akron discover the secret behind spider silk's sticky properties in humid conditions. They found that a combination of glycoproteins and low molecular mass compounds helps sequester interfacial water, preventing adhesive failure.
Self-assembled block polymer membranes offer customizable pore sizes and can selectively remove contaminants from various water sources. The technology has the potential to advance water treatment technologies, enabling decentralized reuse of wastewater and reducing chemical demands for membrane cleaning.
A team of researchers has developed potentially safer polymers that could replace BPA in thermally printed receipts and labels, reducing environmental and health concerns. The new polymers, called BPAF-N-type, have similar properties to BPA and are suitable for various applications.
Professor Sang Yup Lee was elected as a foreign associate to the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and previously to the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE). He is the first Korean to be elected to both prestigious academies, recognized for his leadership in microbial biotechnology and metabolic engineering.
A new theory by Murugappan Muthukumar accurately measures charged macromolecules like proteins and DNA. The Stokes-Einstein formula works for charged molecules by accounting for small ions that neutralize charges.
A new study introduces a novel hybrid polymer for producing 3D-printed scaffolds suitable for seeding living cells, enabling the creation of engineered tissues. The researchers successfully fabricated scaffolds using commercial 3D printers and demonstrated high cell survival rates.
Biomedical engineering graduate students Renata Minullina and Abhishek Panchal from Louisiana Tech University have developed a novel approach to clean up oil spills using halloysite Pickering emulsification. Their research was selected from over 230 international entrants at the ACS Meeting in San Diego.
The University of Akron researcher is designing a new class of tough double-network hydrogels with unique mechanical toughness and self-healing properties. These hydrogels can be used in various applications such as wastewater treatment, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.
Researchers from Drexel University have created a new method for producing polymer nanobrushes that repel dirt, allowing for greater control over their shape and size. This breakthrough enables the creation of more efficient and durable brush coatings with improved friction reduction, opening up new possibilities for various applications.
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.