Polymers and soft materials news

Researchers develop design process for printing soft robots

Researchers have developed a new design method that shows promise in allowing the efficient fabrication of soft robots using a 3D printer.

Engineers use 3D printing to create optical metamaterials

Engineers have shown that 3D printing can be used to create metamaterials with unique microwave or optical properties.

Black polymer films can be made cooler at a stretch

By carefully stretching polymers like polyethylene, researchers have been able to produce colorful films with a range of heat-radiating capabilities.

Transparent polymer films draw on their strength to beat metals

A hot-drawing technique for processing plastics can create transparent polythene film that is stronger than aluminium but a fraction of the weight.

‘Oil and vinegar’ could guide assembly of nanoparticles into complex shapes

Scientists have theorized a new ‘oil-and-vinegar’ approach for inducing spherical nanoparticles to self-assemble into unusual architectures.

Printed metamaterials alter properties when they feel the heat

Engineers have used 4D printing to produce smart materials that can change from stiff to soft in response to temperature changes.

Gripping applications for new dual-polymer hydrogel

A new dual-polymer hydrogel able to respond dynamically to its environment could find use in a variety of ‘soft robotic’ and biomedical applications.

New machine learning algorithm lets coarse models make detailed predictions

Researchers have used machine learning to create molecular models for faster screening of materials such as organic electronics.

‘Living glue’ inspired by nature

‘living glue’ inspired by marine organisms like barnacles and mussels works underwater or in highly damp or humid conditions

Synthetic Metals: Electrochemistry of Organic Conductors and Semiconductors

Sensitive, see-through skin

Sensitive, see-through electronic skin for underwater touch screen

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.