Polymers and soft materials news, April 2019

Novel method makes liquid crystals go against orders

For the first time, researchers have managed to create an anti-ordered state with liquid crystals, where they avoid aligning along a certain direction.

Acta Journals Editors Transitioning to Joint Appointments

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.