RSC Applied Polymers has published its first articles. To celebrate this we wish to introduce some of our #RSCAppliedfirst50 authors and their recently published articles.

 

In this post we feature an introduction to 3D printed modular piezoionic sensors using dynamic covalent bonds by Alshakim Nelson et al.

 

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An Introduction to 3D printed modular piezoionic sensors using dynamic covalent bonds  by Alshakim Nelson et al.

In our newest publication in RSC Applied Polymers, we demonstrate 3D printed piezoionic sensors that can be configured based on the needs of the individual user. Elastomeric ionogels comprising reversible Diels-Alder connections were 3D printed using a commercial printer. 3D printing allows the user to determine the geometrical shape of the printed object. However, the 3D printed objects described in this paper are also covalent adaptive networks, which enables self-healing and interfacial bonding between objects. As a result, these piezoionic sensors are durable and can be fused into any desirable configuration. Our work showcases the important features of decentralized production using additive manufacturing. Primarily, the individual user has greater control over the design and deployment of active devices in the locations where they are required.

 

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Julian Smith-Jones received his PhD from the University of Washington where he conducted research on the synthesis and characterization of ionic liquid gels as a platform for creating conductive elastomeric sensors in the Nelson lab. He is currently working as a polymer chemist at Meta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan Ballinger is a chemistry graduate student at Caltech who did undergraduate research at the University of Washington in Seattle. His undergraduate research in the Nelson Lab focused on stimuli responsive ion-gels and hydro-gels for additive manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naroa Sadaba is a postdoctoral researcher in the Nelson lab at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her research focuses on biomaterials for additive manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xabier Lopez de Pariza is a postdoctoral researcher at Polymat-University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian (Spain). His research interests include sustainable polymers and vat photopolymerization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yunxin Yao is a fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Chemistry at Duke University under the guidance of Prof. Stephen L. Craig. Her research primarily focuses on investigating the correlation between microscopic chemical reactions and the macroscopic mechanical properties of polymer networks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen Craig is a Professor of Chemistry at Duke University and the Director of the NSF Center for Molecularly Optimized Networks (MONET).  His research interests are centered around chemical reactivity that is embedded within polymeric materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haritz Sardon is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Basque Country-POLYMAT in San Sebastian. His research combines sustainability aspects with additive manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alshakim Nelson is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington in Seattle. His research includes stimuli-responsive and polymeric materials for additive manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3D printed modular piezoionic sensors using dynamic covalent bonds

Julian Smith-Jones,  Nathan Ballinger,  Naroa Sadaba,  Xabier Lopez de Pariza, Yunxin Yao,  Stephen L. Craig,   Haritz Sardon and  Alshakim Nelson  

RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, Advance Article. DOI:10.1039/D3LP00289F

 

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RSC Applied Polymers is a leading international journal for the application of polymers, including experimental and computational studies on both natural and synthetic systems. In this journal, you can discover cross-disciplinary scientific research that leverages polymeric materials in a range of applications. This includes high impact advances made possible with polymers across materials, biology, energy applications and beyond. Find out more about the journal Read our first articles Submit your manuscript today Sign up for email alerts Follow us on social media

RSC Applied Polymers has published its first articles. To celebrate this we wish to introduce some of our #RSCAppliedfirst50 authors and their recently published articles.

 

In this post we feature an introduction to Assessing the performance of sustainable luminescent solar concentrators based on chemically recycled poly(methyl methacrylate) by Alberto Picchi, Marco Carlotti, Andrea Pucci et al.

 

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An Introduction to Assessing the performance of sustainable luminescent solar concentrators based on chemically recycled poly(methyl methacrylate) by Alberto Picchi, Marco Carlotti, Andrea Pucci et al.

 

Sunlight concentration is one of the most straightforward means to improve the performances of photovoltaics and reduce the extension of the modules needed to produce a certain quantity of energy.

Compared to large parabolic systems that find applications in solar fields, other solar concentration methods are better suited for urban areas, such as Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). Visually, LSCs resemble glass panels with bright fluorescent colours and luminescent sides. They utilize fluorescent molecules or particles to absorb and re-emit solar radiation, concentrating it towards the device’s edges thanks to an optical phenomenon called total internal reflection. There, thin photovoltaic cells, as vast as the small thickness of the panel, convert this light into electricity.

Amorphous polymers like polycarbonates or polyacrylates, known to serve as excellent substitutes for glass due to their high transparency and mechanical strength, are also ideal matrices for application in LSCs. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), in particular, offers additional advantages such as low cost, an optimal refractive index to waveguide light, and the possibility of hosting several luminescent materials without affecting their optical performances.

The large-scale adoption of this technology – which in urban areas and as visually appealing build-in photovoltaics in buildings – would cause the introduction in the market of a significant amount of plastic, the environmental production impact of which cannot be overlooked, especially since it is higher than that of the attached photovoltaics modules.

One advantage of PMMA is that it can be recycled through thermal depolymerization processes, which regenerate the initial monomer (methyl methacrylate, MMA) with high efficiency and little impurities.

The use of regenerated MMA, instead of virgin monomer, for the production of Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) could reduce the impact of production by about 75% and make it possible to imagine a circular life cycle of these devices without increasing costs. However, impurities can drastically affect the performances and lifetime of the devices, making this approach ineffective.

In this study, Alberto Picchi, Marco Carlotti and Andrea Pucci from the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry at the University of Pisa, in collaboration with I&S Srl, explored the possibility of using recycled monomers instead of virgin ones to fabricate LSC plates, making this technology more accessible and sustainable. In particular, they found that, while characteristic impurities or regenerated monomers do not seem to affect performances, they promote the photodegradation process, shortening the devices’ expected lifespan. During the investigation, they also identified the main substance responsible for this effect, which will need to be removed from the recycled monomer to fabricate devices capable of spanning more than 10 years.

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Mr. Alberto Picchi is a Ph.D. student in Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Pisa (Italy). He obtained his MChem (2019) from the same institution. Alberto’s research focuses on developing luminescent devices based on recycled polymers for harvesting solar and artificial light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Marco Carlotti obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) in 2019, and he is currently an Assistant Professor at the Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale of the University of Pisa (Italy) and a Scientific Collaborator at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italy). His research revolves around the use of smart polymeric systems for energy application and in microfabrication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Andrea Pucci is a full professor of industrial chemistry and the Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale at the University of Pisa (Italy). His scientific interests are expressed in polymer science, with particular attention to the preparation of mono-or multiphase polymer (nano)systems with functional properties for applications as chromogenic materials responsive to external stimuli of various kinds or for applications in the energy field. Since November 2016, he is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is now serving as Associate Editor of the RSC Advances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Assessing the performance of sustainable luminescent solar concentrators based on chemically recycled poly(methyl methacrylate)
Alberto Picchi,    Irene Bettini,  Massimo Ilarioni, Marco Carlotti   and  Andrea Pucci  

RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, Advance Article. DOI: 10.1039/D4LP00067F

 

 

 

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RSC Applied Polymers is a leading international journal for the application of polymers, including experimental and computational studies on both natural and synthetic systems. In this journal, you can discover cross-disciplinary scientific research that leverages polymeric materials in a range of applications. This includes high impact advances made possible with polymers across materials, biology, energy applications and beyond. Find out more about the journal Read our first articles Submit your manuscript today Sign up for email alerts Follow us on social media

RSC Applied Polymers has published its first articles. To celebrate this we wish to introduce some of our #RSCAppliedfirst50 authors and their recently published articles.

In this post we feature an introduction to Next-gen biomimetic actuators: bilayer hydrogel evolution in the 21st century and its advancements from a post-2020 perspective by Dr Abhijit Bandyopadhyay and Sayan Basak

 

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An Introduction to Next-gen biomimetic actuators: bilayer hydrogel evolution in the 21st century and its advancements from a post-2020 perspective by Dr Abhijit Bandyopadhyay and Sayan Basak

 

Hydrogel actuators, characterized by their exceptional capacity to undergo shape deformations in reaction to external stimuli, occupy a prominent position within the domain of materials science, representing a significant potential to revolutionize numerous applications. Ranging from soft robotics to biomedical engineering, the adaptability and versatility of these actuators are widely recognized. Notably, among the array of designs, bilayer-based hydrogel actuators emerge as particularly noteworthy, demonstrating elaborate 2D and 3D shape alterations in response to various stimuli.

Central to the functionality of hydrogel actuators are polymers, which establish three-dimensional networks capable of retaining substantial quantities of water. These polymers serve as the foundation for structural integrity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, thereby rendering hydrogel actuators biocompatible, permeable, and adaptable. By employing engineering methodologies to manipulate polymer compositions and architectures, researchers can customize desired attributes such as anisotropy. This tailored approach enhances the operational efficacy and controllability of hydrogel actuators across a spectrum of applications, spanning from drug delivery systems to advancements in soft robotics.

Our investigation delves into the detailed features of bilayer-based hydrogel actuators, elucidating their biomimetic designs derived from natural tissues and organs. We examine successful applications across domains including drug delivery, soft robotics, and biomedical engineering, demonstrating the adaptability and promise inherent in these actuators. While challenges persist in attaining precise control over bidirectional motions, recent progress indicates encouraging developments and lays the groundwork for forthcoming innovations.

Looking ahead, there remains an ongoing pursuit for multifunctional hydrogel actuators adept at responding to diverse stimuli with precision and reliability. Addressing challenges within complex environments, particularly underwater scenarios, continues to drive the exploration of innovative fabrication techniques and materials. Collaboration across disciplinary boundaries stands as a pivotal factor in unlocking the full potential of hydrogel technology, as insights drawn from materials science, robotics, and biology converge to shape the future of actuator design.

In the forthcoming years, the emergence of novel fabrication methodologies is anticipated to significantly contribute to the advancement of smart structures. One promising avenue lies in the exploration of patterned structures, inspired by the intricate designs found in nature. Certain botanical structures, for instance, exhibit intriguing shape transitions upon dehydration, and emulating such patterns could unveil new possibilities for hydrogel actuators. Photolithography emerges as a potent tool in this endeavour, facilitating the creation of hydrogel sheets featuring chemically distinct regions. This approach enables preprogramed large-scale 3D shape transitions, mirroring the intricate behaviours observed in natural systems. The introduction of visible patterns, such as those achieved through UV-reduction of graphene oxide, introduces an additional layer of complexity, endowing hydrogel actuators with multiresponsive 3D complex deformations. This expansion of capabilities enhances the versatility and potential applications of hydrogel actuators.

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Dr Abhijit Bandyopadhyay is currently a full Professor in the Department of Polymer Science & Technology at University of Calcutta, member of the Senate and the Technical Director at South Asia Rubber and Polymers Park, West Bengal. He is the former Head of the Department and the member of the Syndicate of this University. He is a National Scholar, has received Young Scientist Award in 2005 from Material Research Society of India and Career Award for Young Teachers in 2010 from Govt. of India for his contribution in teaching and research in various domains of polymer and rubber science and technology. He has published more than 110 research papers in reputed international journals, filed two Indian patents and delivered several Plenary, Key Note and Invited lectures in International and National conferences and Faculty Development Programs. He has authored six books so far. He has done both Government and Industry sponsored research projects and offered Industrial consultancies regarding development of several products. He has supervised 12 research students so far for obtaining their Doctorate degree and 10 more are currently doing their research under his supervision. His research interest includes polymer blends and composites, polymer nanocomposites, hyperbranched polymers and polymer 3D printing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sayan Basak completed his B.Tech. in Polymer Science and Technology at the University of Calcutta and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Akron, USA specializing in smart polymers. His research focused on shape memory and functional elastomers, aligning with his undergraduate studies. Currently, he works as a research investigator at Biocon India, contributing to the chemical development team. He remains an active collaborator with the Bandyopadhyay group at the University of Calcutta, where he focuses on stimuli-responsive polymers, polymer nanocomposites, and biobased architectural polymers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Next-gen biomimetic actuators: bilayer hydrogel evolution in the 21st century and its advancements from a post-2020 perspective

Sayan Basak   and Abhijit Bandyopadhyay    

RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, Advance Article. DOI:10.1039/D4LP00089G

 

 

 

 

 

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RSC Applied Polymers is a leading international journal for the application of polymers, including experimental and computational studies on both natural and synthetic systems. In this journal, you can discover cross-disciplinary scientific research that leverages polymeric materials in a range of applications. This includes high impact advances made possible with polymers across materials, biology, energy applications and beyond. Find out more about the journal Read our first articles Submit your manuscript today Sign up for email alerts Follow us on social media