Polymers and soft materials

Novel polymer runs hot and cold over light-induced phase change

A novel type of polymer can alter its thermal conductivity by switching between a crystalline state and a liquid state in response to light.

Layered polymer composite helps create better battery interphase

A polymer composite containing graphene and nanoparticles can produce a more stable solid-electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries.

Lobster inspires soft but strong body armor

underbelly of lobsters could hold clue to developing a tough, strong and flexible material for body armor and other applications

The Acta journals welcome new editor: Cewen Nan

Acoustic metamaterial blocks nearly all sound

Acoustic metamaterial structure blocks 94% of sound

Double-helix structure helps polymer stay strong

Researchers have discovered that a high-strength polymer called PBDT has a rare double-helix structure.

‘Tuning knob’ turns 2D semiconductors into quantum materials

The twist angle between layers of 2D semiconductors provides a ‘tuning knob’ to turn them into an exotic quantum material.

Machine learning offers quantum leap in analyzing capacitor materials

Researchers used machine learning to simulate the quantum mechanics analysis of two capacitor materials, greatly speeding up the process.

New fiber is strong on the inside and tough on the outside

Researchers have developed a novel fiber comprising a gallium metal core surrounded by an elastic polymer sheath that is both strong and tough.

Perspectives on the materials research landscape

Two new reports, now available for download.