Articles tagged with Polymers
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.
New polymer-based membranes developed at KAUST enable greener separation of simple to complex hydrocarbon mixtures, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in crude oil refineries. The membranes' stability and selectivity can be tuned by thermal crosslinking, allowing for higher purity components and removal of byproducts.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new type of carbon molecular sieve membrane that overcomes drawbacks of existing polymer membranes. The membrane, made from 6FDA-DMN, exhibits high rejection of small molecules and exceptional stability in various organic solvents.
Researchers characterize material properties of IP-Q using Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation, revealing elastic parameters and their effects on acoustic behavior. The study optimizes elastic parameters for TPP-fabricated structures, benefiting applications in life science, mobility, and industry.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a flexible, stretchable computing chip that processes information like a human brain to analyze health data. The device aims to change the way health data is processed, enabling continuous tracking of health without sending data wirelessly.
Researchers used machine learning to predict protein adsorption onto polymer brush films, identifying key film characteristics that impact adsorption. The study found hydrophobicity index to be the most critical parameter, with thickness and density also playing a significant role.
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 ...
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.
Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a simple method to produce polyethylenimine-based network polymers by dissolving triaziridine compounds in water. The resulting porous polymers exhibit versatile properties, including tailored morphological and mechanical characteristics.
Researchers developed a new method using magneto-active polymers to study cellular behavior and replicate complex biological processes. The system allows for real-time control of mechanical forces on cells, enabling the analysis of mechanisms behind traumatic injuries and tissue damage.
Researchers showcase electrospun nanomaterials' advantages over conventional materials for wearables. They offer enhanced porosity, breathability, and biocompatibility, enabling rapid charging, high energy storage capacities, and comfortable wearability.
Researchers created a new gel that can protect fragile objects like eggs by adding starch to gelatin, reducing impact force up to 15%. The gel's flexibility and impact absorption make it suitable for sports equipment, defense materials, and packaging.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.
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.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology observed structural chirality in achiral conjugated polymers, which can enhance solar cells' charge capacity. This discovery introduces new opportunities for research at the convergence of biology and electronics.
Scientists construct figure-eight-shaped machines with rotary motors and polymer chains to enable measurement of mechanical work and forces. The machines twist and untwist like whirligig toys, exerting similar torque to the enzyme that produces ATP.
Researchers created a new fiber that performs like a muscle actuator, outperforming existing options in efficiency, flexibility, and strain handling. The fibers can be easily made and recycled, opening up potential applications in prosthetic limbs, robotic arms, and self-closing bandages.
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.
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.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University discovered helicoidal screw dislocations in layered polymers, enabling the easy diffusion of solvents through layers. This discovery has implications for stimuli-interactive structural colors, which are used in human-interactive electronics and health sensors.
Researchers at Waseda University demonstrate a novel zirconocene-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening reaction under visible light, expanding the reaction scope and regioselectivity. The approach enables accessible synthesis of elusive alcohol products with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Researchers developed efficient metal-free polymeric scintillators for high-resolution X-ray imaging, outperforming conventional anthracene-based scintillators. The polymers exhibit multicolor radioluminescence and high photostability, enabling applications in radiation detection, medical diagnosis, and security inspection.
A physicist at TU Graz has developed a three-in-one hybrid material that reacts to force, moisture and temperature with high spatial resolution. The smart skin has potential applications in robotics, smart prosthetics and healthcare, and its production can be easily scaled and implemented.
Researchers from KAUST have designed an all-inorganic halide-perovskite polymer-fiber-photodetector that can detect light in the green region (around 510 nm), enabling fast underwater optical communications. The system offers a 3dB bandwidth of 13.1 MHz, allowing data transmission speeds of up to 152.5 Mbit/s.
Researchers have successfully stored liquid fuels like ethanol in polymeric gels, drastically reducing evaporation rates and flammable gas mixtures. The development of this method aims to create safer work environments in industries that use liquid fuels.
Researchers developed a disposable electrochemical sensor using graphite-based molecularly imprinted polymers to detect theophylline levels. The sensor can identify low concentrations of theophylline (2.5 μg/mL) in whole blood within 3 seconds, enabling real-time monitoring and potential overdose prevention.
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.
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.
Researchers developed new polymer materials with adjustable refractive index, enabling easy creation of optical interconnects between photonic chips and board-level circuits. The technology has the potential to boost Internet data center efficiency by reducing power consumption and heat generation.
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.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to break down certain polymers into their basic building blocks, enabling full recycling. The breakthrough involves creating 'radicals' at the end of a polymer chain, triggering depolymerisation and recovering up to 92% of the monomers.
Dr. Perla Balbuena's study uses quantum chemical methods to track specific reactions on Li-metal battery surfaces, revealing insights into polymer formation and surface chemistry. The research aims to optimize Li-metal batteries' performance and lifespan by controlling reactivity.
A team of researchers created a theoretical model demonstrating the difference in electrical differential capacitance between polymeric and ordinary ionic liquids. They predict a huge increase in capacitance for polymeric ionic liquids compared to regular ionic liquids with the same chemical composition.
Researchers found that polymer molecules interact with the flow around gas bubbles, causing a sudden increase in velocity. This knowledge can be used to predict oxygen input and design equipment for industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers developed a new technique called dual-detection impulsive vibrational spectroscopy (DIVS) to measure two distinct types of vibrational signals. DIVS enables synchronous measurement of THz- and fingerprint region vibrations, offering high temporal resolution for real-time chemical analysis.
Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a new technique for controlling the luminescence color of materials using optical tweezers and nanotextured black silicon. The system can change the color of a material in response to changes in light pressure, allowing for fully reversible remote control.
A team of researchers has designed a compound with 'wings' that makes polymers change color when stressed, allowing for the detection of stress before breakage. The new probe is more accurate in detecting mechanical stresses in both polymer gels and films, paving the way for tougher gel materials and nanoscale tension probes.
A team of scientists at KAUST has created adjustable and biodegradable nanofiltration membranes from date seeds using an environmentally friendly process. The new membranes demonstrated excellent performance in oil and solvent filtration experiments, outperforming traditional methods.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a tuneable, elastic and temperature-sensitive gel by using complementary DNA strands to connect star-shaped polymer molecules together. The gel exhibits predictable behavior, self-healing properties and durability suitable for medical and engineering applications.
Researchers develop a novel nanoplatform that can deliver drugs directly to T cells, which play a crucial role in immune reactions. The platform uses pH-sensitive dendrimers with phenylalanine and has shown promising results for cancer immunotherapy.
The University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center will engage in nuclear materials technology research with a five-year, $5 million grant from the US Department of Energy. This partnership aims to transform national nuclear security through nuclear material science applications and provide opportunities for underrepresented students.
Magnesium-based batteries offer a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with several significant advantages. However, developing cost-effective and high-performance batteries requires further research on electrolyte development, anode design, and cathode structure.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning bioplastic that repels liquids and dirt like a lotus leaf, breaking down rapidly in soil. The bioplastic is made from cheap raw materials, compostable, and suitable for fresh food and takeaway packaging.
The study found that trace solvent additives enhance ordering and crystallization of polymer microstructure, increasing power conversion and photocurrent density by up to 3 times. This improvement helps form a network that efficiently transports photogenerated charges, increasing local photocurrents.
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a novel 'supermolecular' material that binds to protein drugs, prolongs their effect without impairing activity, and improves overall drug performance. The material, called PEG-PRX, adds polyethylene glycol chains to proteins without compromising biological action.
Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...
A new wearable sensor has been developed using MXene nanomaterials that can detect changes in pH levels in sweat, which correlate with muscle fatigue. The device measures electrical resistance patterns in response to mechanical stress and pH changes.
Scientists developed a breakthrough fabrication process for microneedle arrays capable of administering protein-based drugs without damaging the skin. The microneedles offer several advantages, including being painless and easy to dispose of.
Researchers developed a method to directly bond gold electrodes onto separate ultra-thin polymer films without adhesives or high temperatures. The new technique, called water-vapor plasma-assisted bonding, creates stable bonds between gold electrodes printed into ultra-thin polymer sheets.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...
Scientists have created a new material using nanometer-scale ceramic particles decorated with polymer strands that exhibit enhanced toughness. The material's unique property allows it to dissipate energy from impacts rapidly, making it suitable for applications such as body armor and bulletproof glass.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.
A team at the University of Cambridge created a jelly-like material that can withstand compression forces equivalent to an elephant, while maintaining its original shape. The material's properties are seemingly contradictory, but can be controlled through changing the chemical structure of guest molecules.
An international research team led by Jennifer L. Schaefer has analyzed the potential of magnesium-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes in two separate battery systems. The study found that these electrolytes exhibit higher thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, making them ...
Researchers at Rice University developed a method to decontaminate disposable surgical masks by heating them to 70 degrees Celsius, eliminating 99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and preserving mask material. The study provides promise for adapting this protocol to future outbreaks.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed a system to study cellular reactions in a way that more closely reflects how molecules behave in a living cell. By mixing a polymer with protein, they created membraneless droplets that can mimic the molecular properties of how molecules move in the cell.
Researchers used a see-through porous medium to analyze polymer solutions' movement, overturning the assumption of uniform laminar flow. The polymers stretched out, creating turbulence and slowing the velocity of the flow.