Polymers and soft materials news

Lowering the power of OLEDs

Lowering the power of OLEDs

Researchers take charge of polymer properties

By understanding the precise sequence of charged monomers, researchers can predict the behavior of disordered strands of proteins and polymers.

New flexible polymer composite has metal alloy core

By incorporating liquid metal droplets into an elastomer, researchers have created a highly stretchable, soft, multi-functional composite.

Clusters of particles determine gel elasticity

Scientists have discovered that the elasticity of gels arises from the packing of clusters of particles, dubbed locally glassy clusters, in the gels.

Researchers focus on producing lenses with magnetic droplets

Researchers have developed a liquid mold from droplets that they can manipulate with magnets for creating lenses in various shapes and sizes.

Polymers jump through hoops on pathway to sustainable materials

Scientists have found that, in solutions of linear and ring polymers, the linear molecules thread themselves through the ring molecules when stressed.

Polymer nanofibers and 2D material combine to produce flexible dielectric

A nanocomposite that combines polymer nanofibers and boron nitride nanosheets could make a superior dielectric material for flexible electronics.

Connected pores keep polar bears and penguins warm

penguin feathers and polar bear fur hold the key for designing effective thermal insulating materials

Wearable polyester batteries produced from 2D materials

Inks made from 2D materials like graphene can be coated onto a polyester fabric in a simple dyeing process to produce electronic components.

Energy-absorbing materials inspired on the hoof

hierarchical structure of horse's hoof inspires energy-absorbing, impact-resistant materials

New surface coating takes heat out of low-surface-tension liquids

A novel coating can promote droplet formation and shedding in low-surface-tension fluids, thereby improving heat transfer.

Recipients of the 2019 Rising Stars in Computational Materials Science Award Announced

New cathode coating ‘hits five or six birds with one stone’

A new polymer coating for battery cathodes can improve the electronic and ionic conductivity of a battery while also improving its safety.

New nanocellulose foam insulates better than Styrofoam

A novel foam made primarily from cellulose nanocrystals works better than Styrofoam for insulation.

Tool Foundry initiative is advancing accessible tools for scientific discovery

The four-month accelerator, offering $50,000 in funding, is now accepting applications - apply before 30th May

Mayonnaise experiments could lead to some tasty nuclear fusion

Studying mayonnaise when it spins can help characterize the interface between an elastic-plastic material and a light material under acceleration.

Mussel glue can help heal nerves

A glue extracted from mussels and bio-active peptide molecules can help repair damaged nerves

Light triggers nano-container to release cargo and dismantle itself

A novel nano-container can take up hydrophobic compounds of various sizes and shapes in water and then release them in response to light.