Articles tagged with Polymers
A Heidelberg research team designs a polymer material that can be disassembled into its individual components without compromising precision, quality, or mechanical stability. The material can be broken down into its molecular building blocks within seconds and can be recovered and reused, enabling a circular manufacturing process.
A team of researchers developed a reusable magnetic sensing platform combining surface-enhanced Raman scattering with machine learning to detect trace uranyl ions. The system maintained its detection limit even in complex aquatic environments, with strong selectivity and resistance to interference.
The KAIST research team has successfully developed a new, eco-friendly hydrogen separation membrane that filters hydrogen through a molecular network. The membrane achieved a high bridge connectivity degree of 73% and showed significant improvements in hydrogen permeability and selectivity.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.
A novel dynamic imine bond adhesive technology enhances commercial filters with improved particle retention and filtration performance, increasing efficiency and lifespan by up to 10-30% and extending filter lifespan by nearly a factor of two.
Fluctuations in nanopore structure are key to efficient molecule separation, according to a new study. The research found that dynamic 'breathing' motions can selectively accelerate the transport of one molecule over another, leading to improved separation performance.
Researchers created microspheres with twisted-bipolar molecular configuration, enabling angle-selective optical resonance and laser oscillation. The resulting emissions mimic Saturn's rings, showcasing directional control of light in microscopic spaces.
A new bio-based conductive hydrogel platform is presented to preserve biomembrane activity and enable sensitive detection of organophosphate pesticides. The developed biosensor demonstrated stable operation, retaining 85.8% of its original electrochemical response after seven days.
Researchers at Hasanuddin University developed a biodegradable plastic film with oxygen-scavenging properties, using cellulose from fermented coconut water to improve strength and functionality. The film breaks down quickly in soil, but maintaining flexibility and barrier performance remains a challenge.
Scientists at Murdoch University mapped the genes of Salinivibrio bacteria from Rottnest Island's salt lakes, revealing their potential for producing biodegradable plastic. The study found seven new genes that may enable some strains to break down the plastic.
Geoff Geise's research on non-aqueous redox flow batteries and membrane design has the potential to overcome renewable energy storage challenges. He is recognized for his work on long-lived membranes that increase conductivity while reducing permeability, a breakthrough in addressing global water purification and electrification needs.
A team of chemists at Saarland University has synthesized a highly unusual bent sandwich molecule, defying long-held assumptions. The discovery opens up new possibilities for designing iron-containing materials and expanding the range of applications for metallopolymers.
Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.
A modular system designed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor Jiawei Yang enables the creation of customized hydrogel implants with tailored stiffness and functionality. The system addresses critical challenges in implant design, including adhesion and immune rejection, to improve long-term performance.
Scientists at The University of Osaka have created a multipath synergistic strategy to toughen elastomers by sequentially activating three energy dissipation pathways. This approach enhances the material's toughness while maintaining its elasticity, making it suitable for various applications such as tires, gloves, and adhesives.
A team of UTEP researchers has created a printable gel polymer electrolyte that can be 3D-printed in any shape. The material performed similarly to conventional electrolytes and showed optimal performance at a specific recipe ratio, paving the way for flexible battery design.
Researchers develop biobased foams with potential for sustainable packaging and building materials using sawdust, cellulose binders, and beeswax. The foams' properties vary depending on the binder used, but they show promise for applications such as packaging and construction
Researchers have developed contact lenses that can repair themselves with UV light, making them less prone to scratches and damage. The lenses, made from special polymer hydrogels, can be repaired in just one hour of UV light exposure.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a way to make thermally insulative plastics by limiting heat-carrying vibrational channels, reducing thermal conductivity by 17% while maintaining flame-retardant behavior. This new design framework has promising applications in lightweight insulation materials and advanced building materials.
Researchers created a synthetic fiber material with a cotton-like structure that repels water while maintaining heat retention in extreme cold. The new fabric outperformed regular cotton and commercial insulations in both heat retention and release, showcasing promising potential for use in clothing designed for extreme cold.
Researchers have developed a biopolymer that encapsulates the fungus Beauveria bassiana, increasing its viability from 69% to 85% after five months of storage. The biopolymer, made from carboxymethylcellulose and aluminum, provides a more sustainable alternative for releasing the bioinsecticide.
Researchers at Penn State developed photomemristors that adjust sensitivity based on light levels, like the human eye. These devices can process light data faster and more accurately than traditional systems in mixed lighting environments.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a flexible polymer shield that provides radiation protection without the health and ergonomic risks associated with lead. The new material weighs almost 90% less than traditional aprons while maintaining excellent X-ray shielding.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Researchers at Yokohama National University developed a new recyclable resin that can be reused multiple times without losing quality. The resin uses reversible photodimerization to form bonds that can be broken and re-formed, enabling high-precision stereolithography.
Researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. The aerogel retained high porosity and specific surface area, enabling strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and thermal insulation.
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a new fiber-optic sensing method that uses electrical-domain interference to detect strain and displacement. The approach exploits relative modal delays in polymer optical fibers, resulting in measurable dips in the electrical-frequency domain.
Researchers at Tampere University have developed light responsive hydrogel thin films that enable programmable surfaces with high sensitivity, rapid response, precise spatial control and reversibility. The technology opens new possibilities for tunable devices in photonics, sensing and biomedicine.
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.
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.
Wiley has released additional data to its IR and Raman spectral libraries, significantly broadening compound coverage. The new release includes mineral spectra from the American Museum of Natural History, supporting researchers in making informed scientific decisions.
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.
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.
Scientists developed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip through homogeneous fusion, achieving 942 MPa tensile strength and 32.1 GPa Young's modulus. The material demonstrates exceptional durability, biodegradability, and practical scalability for various industries.
Researchers develop oxychar, a highly efficient, budget-friendly alternative to traditional charred organic materials for toxic cadmium removal. The new material soaks up both agricultural ammonia and cadmium, promising a practical win for sustainable farming.
Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.
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.
Researchers have developed new polymer-based materials that can capture short-chain PFAS molecules, which are difficult to remove from drinking water. The polymers use cooperative binding microenvironments to anchor the charged PFAS headgroup and stabilize its fluorinated tail.
A recent study reveals that hydration and terminal chemistry of poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) polymers influence immune recognition, providing insights into why some PEGylated drug coatings fail to evade the immune system. The findings pave the way for novel drug coatings with improved performance.
Researchers quantify interactions of P407 micelles in PBS to understand gelation behavior and release mechanisms. The study reveals stronger attractive forces between micelles in saline, affecting gel stability and structural fluctuations.
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
Researchers developed smart 4D-printed vascular stents that expand naturally at body temperature, eliminating the need for external heating. The stents balance mechanical flexibility and radial strength, demonstrating long-term biomechanical compliance.
Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.
A team from Donghua University has developed a new molecular design that improves the performance of photothermally healable elastomers. The resulting material, PIB5Cu, achieves all-round upgrades in toughness, tensile strength, photothermal conversion efficiency and healing efficiency.
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
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.
A team of researchers from Chiba University discovered the structural evolution of poloxamer mixtures at different temperatures, enabling customized gelation behavior. Their findings support precise design of sustained-release formulations for localized therapies, enhancing drug retention and minimizing side effects.
A new study from Nagoya University in Japan has found that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause MicroShunt glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid using these ointments on patients with the implant, particularly when it is exposed outside the conjunctiva.
Researchers have combined molecular imprinting technology with biochar to create materials that can selectively target specific molecules, achieving high adsorption capacity and selectivity. These smart sorbents show promise for efficient pollution control in complex mixtures and at low concentrations.
A team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology has developed a novel material that significantly improves piezoelectric responsiveness and mass-producesibility. The new polymer, created using a simple process, overcomes the challenges of achieving highly responsive materials for wearable health trackers and energy harvesters.
Researchers have developed a spray-on polymer coating that can be sprayed directly onto plant leaves to protect against harmful bacterial infections and survive drought. The coating works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, reducing water loss and inducing molecular-level stress response mechanisms.
Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.
Microplastics leak a complex mixture of dissolved organic chemicals that evolve over time, especially under sunlight. The study provides the most detailed molecular-level view to date of how this microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter forms and transforms in natural waters.
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic material that transforms from a rigid film to a soft, tissue-like interface upon hydration, enabling seamless integration with living tissues. The device, called THIN, has been shown to record biological signals with high fidelity and stability in animal experiments.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.
Researchers have discovered a zero-cost solution to reverse desertification by using food waste nanocellulose extracted from pineapple peels. The material cuts water leakage by 90% and triples phosphate retention, offering a more sustainable alternative to expensive hydrogels.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that uses metal-organic frameworks to physically injure and kill bacteria, preventing biofilm formation without antibiotics or toxic metals. This innovation eliminates the risk of antibiotic resistance and has potential applications in various industries.
A new study shows that lithium can be recovered from battery waste using an electrochemically driven recovery process, which demonstrates economic viability with the potential to simplify operations. The method has been tested on commonly used types of lithium-containing batteries and produces recovered lithium at a cost comparable to ...