Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Recent papers in ACS Polymers Au

Machine learning is being explored as a tool to speed up the identification of biomaterials. Researchers have also developed a guide on how to incorporate ML into research programs. Additionally, studies have investigated ways to model polymers at multiple scales and created a self-healing hydrogel for sustained release of medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Polymers Au·DateDec 5, 2022

Key to chemical industries’ sustainable future? The world’s first industrial model of a flow photo-on-demand synthesis system

A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...

SourceKobe University·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Rice turns asphaltene into graphene for composites

Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Development of an easy-to-synthesize self-healing gel composed of entangled ultrahigh molecular weight polymers

A research team has developed a method to easily synthesize a self-healing polymer gel made of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers and non-volatile ionic liquids. The gel exhibits superior mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and can be recycled via thermal processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

‘Sound’ly segregated supramolecular helices

Researchers have successfully segregated oppositely helical supramolecular polymers in a solution using audible sound, inducing surface vibrations and advection currents. This approach allows for the spatiotemporal control of chiral supramolecular systems, enabling the segregation of multiple aggregates.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Autonomous crawling soft ‘ringbots’ can navigate narrow gaps

Researchers at NC State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. The 'ringbots' are made of liquid crystal elastomers in the shape of looped ribbon, resembling a bracelet, and can pull a small payload across various environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Experimental data validates new theory for molecular diffusion in polymer matrices

Researchers have validated a new theory for molecular diffusion in polymer matrices, explaining how molecules move through complex media. The study found that temperature and molecule size significantly impact transport rates, enabling the design of more selective polymer membranes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2022

New polymer made from recycled waste has real magnetic appeal

Researchers at Flinders University have created a new multi-functional material that can be used to purify water, as a recyclable construction material, and as a lightweight machine component for possible use in soft robotics. The material combines magnetic iron particles with a sulfur-rich polymer and can be moved remotely by a magnet.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPolymer Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Shocking paint – let’s get cell in

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel polymer-based solution that enables easy delivery of large molecules to cells. By applying hypertonic solutions, they can induce osmotic stress and relax the cell membrane, allowing for precise control over molecule transfer.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateSep 22, 2022

Suffocating cancer cells

Researchers have developed a synthetic drug that stops cancer cells from producing energy by blocking oxygen conversion. The tiny hairs formed by the drug's molecules can kill even aggressive and untreatable cancer cells within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022

CityU invents a method to convert 3D-printed polymer into a 100-times stronger, ductile hybrid carbon microlattice material

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong create lightweight, ultra-tough hybrid carbon microlattices that are 100 times stronger and doubled in ductility compared to original polymers. The new method enables the creation of sophisticated 3D parts with tailored mechanical properties for various applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022

Shining light on why plastics turn yellow

Researchers have identified surface-based chiral nanostructures as the potential culprit behind plastics turning yellow over time. The study suggests that these structures, formed on the surface of polyethylene films exposed to UV light, are a key factor in the degradation process and the resulting yellow color change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateSep 6, 2022

Rotator cuff regeneration: potential breakthrough treatment

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a potential breakthrough treatment for rotator cuff tears, using an advanced polymer to stimulate regeneration of both the tendon and muscle. This approach addresses the real problem of muscle degeneration and fat accumulation that often leads to re-injury after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Complex coacervate droplets as a model material for studying the electrodynamic response and manipulation of biological materials

Stabilized coacervate droplets can be steered using an electric field, allowing for controlled manipulation and delivery of biomolecules like enzymes. The technology has potential applications in drug delivery and other encapsulation technologies, as well as explaining the stability of biological condensates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2022

How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology

Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Demonstration of a highly efficient modulator using the organic electro-optic polymer for visible light

Researchers at NICT developed an organic electro-optic polymer for visible light, significantly improving efficiency and miniaturization. The new modulator has lower absorption loss and higher electro-optic coefficient in visible light compared to conventional optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Ultra-thin, flexible probe provides neural interface that’s minimally invasive and long-lasting

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a tiny, flexible neural probe that can record and stimulate neural activity while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. The probe is ideal for studying peripheral nerves or the spinal cord, where traditional probes may not fit due to its small size and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

‘Fruitcake’ structure observed in organic polymers

An international team of researchers has observed a unique 'fruitcake' structure in an organic polymer, revealing variations in hardness at the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to the development of next-generation microelectronic and bioelectronic devices with improved flexibility and biocompatibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Story tips: Tailor-made molecules, better battery electrolytes, beyond Moore’s Law and improving climate model accuracy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant advancements in recovering rare earth metals, developing safer batteries, and enhancing material properties through tailored molecules and advanced microscopy. These discoveries could lead to more efficient clean energy technologies and reduced carbon impacts.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

New research harnesses the power of movement

Researchers have developed a unique design for sensors capable of using human movements, such as bending and stretching, to power wearable technology devices. The self-powered pressure sensors can detect health conditions and measure performance in sports, with potential applications including smart watches and fitness trackers.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 25, 2022

Safely storing dangerous gasses in pores

Scientists developed a new porous coordination polymer that can store and release acetylene, a highly flammable industrial gas, without using solvents. The material allows for the storage of large quantities of acetylene at pressures below 2 bar.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2022

Watch out, ion thieves working in the crowd!

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that high concentrations of crowding molecules can hinder DNA hybridization and complexation of sodium ions. The study used polyethylene glycol and other chain-like molecules to mimic the crowded cellular environment, revealing a 1000-fold decrease in favorable complexation.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2022