Articles tagged with Polymers
Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to induce a new polymer phase in PLA, increasing its strength and prolonging its degradation rate. The new phase can make the material stronger while also making it last longer, potentially leading to improved medical applications.
Researchers at ICIQ and IMDEA Nanoscience introduce a new surface-confined thermally tunable reaction pathway to selectively synthesize monomeric or low-dimensional phthalocyanine polymers. The discovery presents an interesting alternative for developing polymeric materials with technological applications.
Scientists create a film that curls up and straightens autonomously when exposed to tiny changes in humidity, using it to transform environmental fluctuations into mechanical energy. The film can jump high and repeatedly bend and straighten without deterioration.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a simple expansion microscopy technique to visualize cellular structures on conventional laboratory microscopes. This approach uses an expandable polymer and fluorescent dyes, enabling high-resolution images while maintaining excellent resolution.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles at once, similar to gene chips in biology. The combinatorial library approach enables scientists to quickly identify the best nanoparticle size and composition for various applications.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created a reactor that can continuously produce methanol from methane at room temperature and pressure. The innovative 3D-printed polymer-based system retains high enzyme activity, enabling highly controlled reactions with greater flexibility and efficiency.
Researchers successfully used terahertz lasers to induce permanent changes in a polymer's conformation, increasing its crystallization pattern by 20%. The study demonstrates the potential of terahertz waves as a 'soft' method for modifying materials without inducing chemical changes.
Physicists at Lomonosov Moscow State University propose a theoretical model for analyzing the conformational behavior of hydrophobically modified polymer gels in solution. The model explains experimentally observed phenomena and reveals new ways to control gel susceptibility, promising applications in drug delivery systems.
A new chemical sensor developed by Polish researchers can detect the presence of neopterin, a biomarker for certain cancers. The sensor uses molecular imprinting technology to capture molecules of neopterin from body fluids, with high accuracy and selectivity.
A silicone-based polymer coating has been developed to mimic the mechanical and elastic properties of healthy skin. The material can temporarily tighten skin, reduce water loss from dry skin and provide long-lasting UV protection.
Physicists have found a novel pattern-forming mechanism in biological systems, with the discovery of a crucial protein that forms ring-shaped filaments to constrict bacterial cells. At high concentrations, FtsZ polymers self-organize into ring-like structures, leading to the formation of Z-rings and daughter cells.
Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, the nanoscale engine harnesses light energy to generate elastic forces, making it suitable for water navigation and disease-fighting applications. With immense force capabilities and bio-compatibility, these 'ANTs' could revolutionize nano-machinery and microfluidics industries.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team devised a chemical sensor to detect fungi in just a few minutes, reducing detection time from days to hours. The sensor uses D-arabitol, a compound indicating fungal presence, detected with high certainty even in the presence of interfering substances.
A team of chemists has developed a unique combination of PBDB-T and ITIC that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 11%, surpassing most solar cells with fullerenes. The discovery paves the way for low-cost and reliable solar energy, with good thermal stability and potential for commercialization.
A new theory predicts the mechanical response of shells, from small pharmaceutical capsules to large airplane bodies. By controlling a few key variables, engineers can create uniformly smooth shells with precisely tailored thickness, with applications far beyond the chocolate shop.
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.
Researchers have developed biodegradable polymer grafts that can be placed in damaged vertebrae to grow and fix the spinal column. These grafts are designed to expand in size after implantation, providing a less invasive approach than current surgical methods.
Researchers from ESPCI, France, have spent ten years studying the wetting of soluble polymer substrates by droplets of solvents. They found that spontaneous imbibition is stopped due to a change in material softness as the solvent melts the polymer, slowing down the spreading of the droplet.
Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a way to prevent protein unfolding under mechanical stress, which causes devastating neurodegenerative diseases. By attaching polymers to proteins, they can stabilize their shape and prevent them from unfolding even when subjected to large forces.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Oxford University describe a new law for predicting wrinkle wavelength on curved surfaces, enabling the use of wrinkles to sculpt surface topography. Experimental results support the validity of this local law, which incorporates mechanical and geometrical effects.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have identified a new molecular property that could lead to more efficient and cost-effective materials for cell phone and laptop displays. The property, directional intrinsic charge separation, was found in crystalline nanowires of an organic semiconductor molecule known as TAT.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a versatile polymer coating with covalent bonds to various materials, preventing biofouling in biomedical diagnostics and medical technology. The 'Swiss army knife' molecule offers simple dip-and-rinse application and withstands harsh conditions.
Researchers developed a new hybrid polymer that combines rigid covalent bonds with soft supramolecular polymers. This allows for the creation of self-repairing materials, drug delivery systems and artificial muscles. The unique structure enables the polymer to lift weights, contracting and expanding like muscles.
Scientists have developed a new guideline for synthesizing fullerene electron acceptors, revealing the importance of stereomeric effects on photovoltaic performance. The study investigates the impact of molecular packing and crystal structure on fullerene derivatives' efficiency.
Scientists develop a system to assemble giant molecules with 'orthogonal' ends, allowing for precise control over superstructures ranging from cubes to wheels and sandwiches. This breakthrough enables potential applications in device creation and nano-architecture design.
MIT scientists have developed a theory to predict transparency in materials, which could lead to cheaper smart window alternatives. The researchers created a polymer structure that changes transparency when stretched or inflated, and their equation accurately predicts the amount of light transmitted through the material.
A new process has been developed to isolate high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes with minimal damage and at high purity. The technique uses supramolecular hydrogen-bonding polymers to sort nanotubes according to their structure and length, enabling precise customization for optoelectronic devices.
Dr. David Simmons aims to develop a predictive understanding of the glass transition in strongly interacting polymers, which could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and technology. His research has the potential to improve human health, energy efficiency, and electronics.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a polymer sphere that delivers microRNA molecules to bone wounds, instructing cells to repair damage. This technology can help grow bone in patients with conditions like oral implants or osteoporosis, offering a new therapy for treating bone loss and associated functional problems.
Researchers at Binghamton University have discovered a material with superior mechanical properties that could be used in fighter planes and spacecraft. The boron nitride nanotubes exhibit stronger interfaces with polymers, enabling the creation of lighter yet more fuel-efficient aircraft and space shuttles.
Researchers developed a method to create ceramic materials using 3D printing with minimal cracking, enabling complex shapes and high temperatures. The resulting silicon carbide material can withstand 1,400°C temperatures without cracking, making it suitable for hypersonic vehicles and jet engines.
Researchers have created a new type of membrane that can efficiently convert chemical reactions into electrical current, potentially revolutionizing the fuel cell industry. The development has the potential to replace internal combustion engines and reduce harmful emissions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for trapping hard-to-detect molecules using forests of carbon nanotubes. The team created a three-dimensional array of permeable nanotubes within a microfluidic device, which they coated with polymers to capture specific bioparticles.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has developed a technique for remotely controlling soft robots by manipulating elastic polymers with magnetic nanoparticles. By arranging the nanoparticles into parallel chains, they can control the movement and direction of the soft robots.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new ultra-high-resolution technique to study polymer fibers trapping uranium in seawater. The findings suggest that traditional approaches to understanding the binding of uranium by polymer fibers do not accurately represent its behavior in bulk materials.
Researchers at ITMO University have developed a method for producing vivid holographic images using an ordinary inkjet printer. The new technique uses colorless ink made of nanocrystalline titania, which can be deposited on special microembossed paper to create unique patterned images.
Researchers developed polyMOCs, hybrid materials combining metallogels and MOCs, with tunable properties. These gels can be used for various functions, including controlled release of molecules and gas storage.
Researchers developed a method to create stable luminescent materials using supercritical CO2, reducing the need for harsh chemicals. The process results in highly luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles immobilized in a polymer matrix.
A new material with extremely long polymer chains has been developed to reduce fuel misting and consequential explosiveness. The polymers can break apart when sheared during flow but reassemble into super-long chains needed to prevent misting, resulting in significant reductions in misting and explosiveness.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a polymeric fuel additive that reduces the intensity of postimpact explosions in jet engines, without affecting fuel performance. The additive works by inhibiting droplet breakup under impact conditions, thereby reducing explosion size and turbulence.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to create protein polymers that can display new functionalities, including temperature responsiveness. By changing the decoration points on the protein, they found that the functional properties of the polymer were influenced.
Researchers at MIT have developed a family of materials that can emit light of precisely controlled colors and respond to external conditions. The materials, made from rare-earth elements and polymers, show promise for detecting chemical and biological compounds, mechanical changes, and thermal conditions.
Using ultrathin sheets, researchers have discovered a new regime of wrapped shapes that can efficiently contain toxic or corrosive liquids. The technique, which uses capillary action to wrap droplets in film, enables the creation of non-spherical shapes with minimal material waste.
A team of scientists from RIKEN has developed a new hydrogel that can stretch and contract in response to temperature changes without absorbing or excreting water. The material's unique property allows it to change shape rapidly and efficiently, making it suitable for practical applications such as artificial muscles.
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.
A polymer hydrogel material alters capillary forces, creating a 'stick-slip' control of water entry into microtubes. This enables precise control of fluid flow and could enable applications such as controlled drug release and precise reaction timing.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new technique to create multi-layered, self-assembled grids with fully customizable shapes and compositions. The result enables the production of high-tech coatings, improved solar cells, and touchscreen electronics.
A new system developed by Joanna Aizenberg's lab uses phase separation to create dynamic designer polymers with self-relubrication and regulated anti-fouling behavior. The system can adapt to its surroundings and respond to fluid consumption, enabling responsive and long-lasting material applications.
The new approach generates carbon nanoparticles in a few hours using store-bought molasses and only a handful of ingredients. The nanoparticles are coated with polymers that fine-tune their optical properties and release drugs at body temperature, making them ideal for targeted therapy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for producing nanofibers that increases the rate of production fourfold while reducing energy consumption by over 90%. The technique uses tiny emitters to regulate fluid flow, resulting in uniform fibers even at high manufacturing rates.
Montreal researchers have created a polymer fibre with remarkable strength and elasticity, similar to spider silk. The fibre is made using a unique manufacturing process that mimics the natural structure of spider silk, making it suitable for various applications such as aircraft engine casings, surgical devices, and bulletproof clothing.
A team of researchers has developed a semiconductor chip made almost entirely of wood, using cellulose nanofibril as a biodegradable material. The new device demonstrates the feasibility of replacing traditional chip substrates with a more environmentally friendly alternative, reducing waste and toxicity.
Steven P. Armes receives the prestigious award for his groundbreaking research in colloid and polymer chemistry, which fosters international and scientific exchange in the field. The lecture will be presented at IACIS conference in Mainz on May 28th.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a boron-infused graphene device that quadruples the supercapacitor's ability to store electrical charge while increasing its energy density. The technology has potential for electric vehicles and other heavy-duty applications.
Scientists have created microbe-sized beads that can sense their environment and move upstream through purely physical means. The beads meet two essential requirements of life: metabolism and mobility. This discovery is an important step toward developing biomimetic microsystems that can respond to environmental changes.
Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.
Engineers at North Carolina State University and Xanofi developed a simple process to fabricate mass quantities of polymer nanofibers, with potential applications in filtration, batteries and cell scaffolding. The method uses liquid solution and spinning cylinder, producing nanofibers on a massive scale.
The US Army Research Laboratory is designing new polymers with enhanced ballistic capabilities to protect soldiers from emerging threats. By modeling polymer chemistry, microstructure, and energy absorption, researchers aim to create ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes for optimal performance at high strain rates.
Researchers have developed a novel nucleating agent that improves crystal quality for reluctant proteins and boosts the probability of success in high-throughput trials. The modified molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is suitable for automated optimization, making it a potent tool for structural biologists.
Researchers found that adding magnetite nanoparticles increases the performance of polymer solar cells, allowing them to convert more incident light into electrical power. The addition of heavy elements enables a material conversion that prolongs the lifetime of electron-hole pairs, leading to higher efficiency.