Articles tagged with Polymers
Scientists have created asymmetrical polymer structures that bind together in a spatially defined manner, similar to atoms coming together to make molecules. This breakthrough technique could lead to new materials for applications ranging from drug delivery to 'soft robotics',
Scientists develop mathematical model to explain co-nonsolvency phenomenon, which was previously unknown. The model predicts polymer behavior in mixed solvents and reveals mechanism for suppressing co-nonsolvency at high pressures.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a polymer-based system storing more than two times higher energy density than previous systems. The new technology has potential applications in solar-powered heating and could provide sustainable energy storage for areas without access to power grids.
A study found that concentration fluctuations are enhanced by thermal convection in mixtures of high and low viscosity liquids. Immobile regions are also formed during this process due to the large viscosity difference.
Researchers discovered that polyelectrolyte brush bristles collapse due to the addition of powerful electrolytes but can be restored with gentler ions. This study increases understanding of these chemical brushes, which have potential applications in medicine and industry, including lubrication and medical devices.
Researchers at OIST created a device to study small-scale whirlpools and found that adding polymers reduces vortex intensity, saving energy. The discovery has implications for optimizing flows in lab-on-a-chip devices and improving inkjet printer resolution.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel surgical adhesive inspired by the elastic defensive slime of the Dusky Arion slug. The new sealant mediates strong interfacial contact, conforms to skin and tissue, and closes holes in heart tissue with high effectiveness.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a novel synthesis strategy for highly reactive substances, overcoming the formation of polymers through electrochemical polymerization. This method uses an environmentally friendly approach with minimal reagent waste and produces only hydrogen as byproduct.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.
Researchers at KAUST developed a solvent-free synthesis method for metal-sulfide nanoparticles using thiourea. The new method produces controllable composition and size of nanoparticles, with potential applications in electrical, optical, and chemical devices.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed filters that use nanoparticles to prevent biofilm buildup, increasing efficiency and lifespan. The new membranes block bacteria- and virus-sized contaminants without letting them stick.
Researchers have developed a new method using synthetic DNA aptamers to measure cocaine's effect on the brain in real-time with high resolution. The study aims to answer whether age-related differences are due to neuron sensitivity or drug concentration in specific brain areas.
Researchers created a polymer-based material with enhanced strength and elasticity by mimicking a mussel's adhesive qualities. The material, which is 770 times stiffer and 92 times tougher than its untreated precursor, offers potential applications in structural, biomedical, and aerospace materials.
Physicists Pendar Mahmoudi and Mark Matsen found a simple mathematical formula to describe the interfacial tension between immiscible short- and long-chain polymers. The molecular weight affects segregation levels, leading to universal dependences on polymer distribution.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created biocompatible microsensors made from magnesium wire and compostable polymer for temperature measurement in food products. The sensors are thin, flexible, and can function for up to 67 days before dissolving, making them suitable for monitoring fish shipments.
Researchers at IBS Institute for Basic Science observed polymers in liquid inside graphene pockets without staining, revealing their dynamic movement. The study paves the way for observing life's building blocks and self-assembly of materials.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology developed a metal-free method to control cationic polymerization using halogen bonding and ammonium salt additives. The new process produces long, homogeneous polymers suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers create novel microparticles that can deliver multiple doses of a drug or vaccine with just one injection, using a biocompatible polymer and custom-built 3D printing method. The particles release drugs or vaccines at specific time intervals, mimicking the way a series of vaccines would be given, potentially improving patient...
Dissolvable electronics can be triggered to dissolve by ambient moisture, offering a new way to make environmentally friendly devices and biomedical implants. Researchers have developed a model that controls the dissolution kinetics of functional devices, allowing for precise control over the transient period.
Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles found that molecules move faster as they approach adhesive surfaces due to the nanoconfinement effect. However, this increased movement rate is only temporary, lasting until new molecules fill in the gaps and slow down the molecular movement.
Japanese researchers investigated the effects of charged group spacer length on hydration state in polymer brushes, revealing a clearer picture of the relationship between structure and properties. The results show that hydration states are independent of chain spacer length, with water uptake not affected by this parameter.
Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired glue that can prevent premature labor and promote healthier futures for babies. The adhesive, infused with dihydroxyphenylalanine from mussel feet, has shown promise in preventing amniotic sac tears during fetal surgery.
Researchers have synthesized new liquid-crystal photochromic polymers with comb-shaped molecules that change molecular orientation under external fields, forming coatings and films. These polymers exhibit photoisomerization and photo-orientation processes, allowing for control over phase behavior and optical properties.
A lubricant-infused polymer coating has been developed to prevent mussel fouling, a significant problem in marine environments. The coating tricks mussels into not producing their adhesive threads, reducing the problem of fouling on ship hulls and marine pipes.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.
A new composite material made from a combination of polymers and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets has been developed by Penn State researchers. This material can store energy at operating temperatures above 176 degrees Fahrenheit, outperforming current commercial polymers.
Researchers have developed a new type of adhesive substance that mimics the properties of slug mucus, effectively sealing wounds after surgery. The substance was found to be strong, flexible and non-toxic, with performance comparable to using a hemostat in emergency surgical procedures.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to precisely pattern nanomaterials, enabling the creation of complex structures and paving the way for next-generation electronics. The DOLFIN technology makes it possible to mass-produce nanomaterials directly into usable devices.
Researchers have gained new insights into the arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities using computer simulations. The study reveals complex structures emerging on the sphere surface, including bipolar patterns and a tennis ball-like structure with four distinct poles.
A KAIST research team developed molecular pulley binders for high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries, improving charge-discharge cycles. The innovative binding system, inspired by the 'mechanical bond' concept, enhances electrode stability and capacity retention.
Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a new material that can undulate and propel itself forward under the influence of light. The device, the size of a paperclip, is the world's first machine to convert light directly into walking using one fixed light source.
Researchers have developed a novel material that rapidly removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water, achieving concentrations below 10 parts per trillion. The material, made from a networked polymer, has shown greater affinity for PFOA than activated carbon and can be regenerated multiple times.
A synthetic sensor array, resembling an artificial tongue, can detect closely related whisky samples as distinct. The device identifies key qualities such as malt status, age, and country of origin, making it a valuable tool for spotting counterfeits.
Researchers from Kyoto University, Imperial College, and City University of Hong Kong have developed mixed matrix membranes that can capture and store carbon dioxide efficiently and cost-effectively. The new materials have the potential to reduce large project costs by up to tenfold, making CCS technology more politically acceptable.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new biomedical polymer that targets damaged tissue, reducing existing plaque and preventing further progression and inflammation. The therapy has shown promising results in mice, improving myocardial function, decreasing inflammation, and thinning arteries.
Researchers developed a novel approach to create self-expandable polymer stents that can grow with pediatric patients, are biodegradable, and require minimally-invasive procedures. The stents were created using computational design, simulation tools, and 3D printing technology.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a strategy to create highly fluorescent nanoparticles through molecular design of conjugated polymers. The twisted shape of the molecules produces smaller, brighter particles with tunable spectroscopic properties, opening up new opportunities for bio-imaging and nanomedicine.
Scientists create novel technique to track molecular detachment from polymer, enabling precise control over self-assembling materials. The method uses hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, avoiding the influence of added dyes or tags on molecular movement.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a nano-sized optical fiber that can detect forces down to 160 femtonewtons and hear sounds down to -30 decibels, with applications in detecting bacteria, monitoring cellular behavior, and creating mini stethoscopes.
Researchers have developed a method to pattern materials with features as small as one nanometer, enabling the study of material properties at the atomic level. The technique has potential applications in materials engineering and could lead to the creation of new materials with unique properties.
Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.
Researchers have developed a method to select semiconducting carbon nanotubes from a solution and make them self-assemble on gold electrodes, resulting in tiny transistors with nearly 100% purity. The process uses polymers with thiol side chains to bind the tubes to the electrodes.
Researchers have found that conventional desktop and professional 3D printers build objects at a slow rate of 10-20 cubic centimeters per hour. The team identified a pinch-wheel mechanism as a limitation, which can be improved to increase printing speed.
The Epps group has made significant strides in tuning and characterizing block polymers for various applications. They aim to optimize materials design by manipulating phase behavior, thermal transitions and mechanical properties. The goal is to create high-performance materials that reduce defects and mitigate environmental concerns.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that balances carbon dioxide sequestration and methane selectivity in natural gas production. The filter, made with a polymer-based sorbent, achieves optimal performance by adjusting the ratio of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen activation reagents during processing.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly method to recycle electronic waste by using a cryo-mill to pulverize circuit boards into separated powders. The process breaks down components into homogenous powders that can be reused, reducing the need for energy-intensive processes and minimizing environmental harm.
A new hydrogel has been developed that can be injected into a rabbit's eye as a liquid and gel within minutes to replace the clear gel-like substance. The hydrogel exhibits no significant swelling pressures or side effects, suggesting it is safe for potential use in humans.
Researchers at TUM have produced a composite material combining silicon nanosheets and a polymer, creating a stable material with remarkable optoelectronic properties. The polymer-coated silicon nanosheets show promise for applications in flexible displays, field-effect transistors, photodetectors, and rechargeable lithium batteries.
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed nanozymes, which can degrade toxic organophosphorous compounds with high efficiency. The new technology uses an enzyme encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer coat, reducing immune responses and increasing storage stability.
A recent study sheds new light on how polymer structure affects the glass-transition temperature in atactic polystyrene films. The research suggests that aromatic interactions between benzene rings are weakened inside the film, leading to a lower transition temperature.
Researchers at MIT have created a new system for 3D printing with cellulose acetate, a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The new process allows for customization and functionalization of the printed parts, making it suitable for various applications including medical devices and sustainable products.
Researchers developed a fluorescent polymer that can detect high levels of mercury in fish, which can lead to reduced fetal growth and placental development. The study found increased mercury levels in swordfish and tuna, with no mercury detected in farmed salmon.
Researchers at UCSB have developed a simple method to master the electrical properties of polymer semiconductors by adding specific molecules that 'trap' charge carriers. This technique allows for efficient design and manufacture of organic circuitry with varying complexity, while maintaining economical manufacturing costs.
Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of how key sugars in cells bind to form strong, indigestible materials. Cellulose induces xylan to untwist itself and straighten out, allowing it to attach itself to the cellulose molecule, forming a 'glue' that makes very strong structures.
For the first time, a biodegradable polymer coating has been synthesized using chemical vapor deposition, addressing a long-standing gap in degradable implant coatings. The coating's degradation rate can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of monomer types and side groups.
Researchers found that ice surface melts in layers, with the first layer melting at -38° C and the second at -16° C. The team also discovered a distinct spectroscopic response between the quasi-liquid layer and supercooled water.
Researchers created graphene-infused G-putty, a highly sensitive material that detects heart rates through skin and individual spider footsteps. The unique substance surpasses conventional strain sensors in sensitivity, with potential applications in various fields.
A simple electrical doping technique could reduce the cost of polymer solar cells and organic electronic devices, enabling new applications for these technologies. The new process enables efficient single-layer solar cells, potentially transforming wearable devices and small-scale distributed power generation.
Researchers develop a simple processing technique to manufacture single-layer organic polymer solar cells, reducing production costs and enabling widespread adoption. The new method offers a simpler alternative to existing methods and has the potential to transform organic photovoltaics into commercial technology.
Researchers have developed a method to produce degradable polymers through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), allowing for the creation of biodegradable implants and coatings. The new polymers can be tailored to degrade at specific rates, making them suitable for various medical applications.