Polymers and soft materials

3D printing improved with reusable support

Programmable, dynamically-controlled surface of moveable metal pins helps 3D printing

Acta Journals’ Outstanding Reviewers in 2020

New biosealant can help fix cartilage wear and tear

Researchers have developed a hyaluronic acid hydrogel system for reinforcing and then sealing damaged cartilage at joints.

Caged ions make faster escape from battery membrane

Adding molecular cages to the polymer membrane in a lithium-ion battery can increase the flow of lithium ions by an order of magnitude.

Nanoparticles target developing lung tissue

Polymer nanoparticles that can deliver active agents to the developing lungs of a fetus could lead to treatments for congenital disorders in the future

Rapid color change is a sign of failure

Researchers have improved molecules known as mechanophores so they produce reversible and rapid color change when a force is applied.

Machine learning proves itself for CNT composites

machine learning algorithm trained to predict pullout forces of carbon nanotubes from polymer matrix

Swarming sheets could lead to self-regulating soft robots

Researchers have designed a system of self-oscillating flexible materials that display a distinctive mode of dynamic self-organization.

Novel polymer based on marine algae

novel bio-polymer based on microalgae could offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers produced from fossil fuels

Novel photonic material can turn towards the light

By combining photonic crystals with a polymer substrate, researchers have developed a photonic material that can move and fold when illuminated.