RSC Applied Polymers Blog

To celebrate the growth and development of the RSC Applied Polymers community and to highlight the remarkable authors who continue to contribute their high quality work to the journal we would like to share the opinions and insights of these authors through this introductory blog post. Once dubbed #RSCAppliedfirst50, our blog posts aim to give a voice to the authors behind the research and hope that their insights might shed light upon growing challenges and progress in polymer science and its applications.

In this edition, we hear from Dr John Maiz and Dr. Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez about their study entitled ‘Advancements in Polymer Nanoconfinement: Tailoring Material Properties for Advanced Technological Applications’

An introduction to ‘Advancements in Polymer Nanoconfinement: Tailoring Material Properties for Advanced Technological Applications’ by Dr John Maiz and Dr. Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez.

This work provides a comprehensive overview of how nanoconfinement impacts polymer properties, highlighting how these confined environments enable the creation of materials with enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and optoelectronic functionality. Furthermore, the study delves into emerging trends and future directions in polymer confinement, identifying key advancements and potential applications that will drive the field forward.

What kind of changes can you observe in the properties of confined polymers, and how do these changes benefit technological applications?

Confinement leads to several notable changes in polymer properties: it can increase the stiffness and toughness of materials, improve their thermal stability, and modify their optical and electronic characteristics. For example, one-dimensional (1D) confinement in block copolymers (BCPs) enables highly ordered, self-assembled structures with distinct optical properties, suitable for advanced optical devices like metamaterials and Bragg reflectors. In electronic applications, confinement improves charge transport and crystal alignment, critical for semiconductors and piezoelectric devices. These tailored properties make confined polymers ideal for high-performance applications in fields like photonics, flexible electronics, and energy devices.

Can you talk about some specific applications where confined polymers have made significant advances?

Confined polymers have shown significant advancements in various research fields. To highlight some of the examples presented in our work we can cite:

• Optical Metamaterials and Bragg Reflectors: Confined BCPs are used to create materials with tuneable refractive indices and anti-reflective coatings. These have already been applied to optical sensors, displays, and advanced lenses.
• Ferroelectric Sensors: Nanoconfined ferroelectric polymers, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF in 1D fibers, exhibit enhanced piezoelectric properties, enabling high-sensitivity sensors and wearable electronics.
• Thermoelectric and Phase Change Materials: Confining thermoelectric polymers enhances thermal conductivity control, essential for energy-harvesting devices and thermal storage.

Looking at the future, what emerging trends do you see in confined polymers?

The future of polymer confinement research is highly promising, with trends focusing on developing more complex and multifunctional nanostructures. New techniques in scalable nanofabrication, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing combined with nanoimprint lithography, are likely to advance industrial applications. Additionally, there is increasing interest in creating responsive polymer systems that react to environmental changes, such as temperature or pH, for applications in smart coatings, drug delivery, and self-healing materials. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict polymer behaviour in confined environments could also accelerate material design, leading to breakthroughs in sustainable energy, biomedicine, and next-generation electronics.

Finally, could you share with us some of the future directions your research group is currently exploring?

We are currently studying the influence of various nanoconfinement strategies, along with other factors such as polymer chain topology and molecular composition, on the electronic properties and dynamics of high-dipolar polymeric systems. Moreover, thanks to our expertise in advanced characterization techniques such as neutron and X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, and dielectric spectroscopy, among others we are also exploring applications in lithography, sensing, and self-healing vitrimeric systems.

Jon Maiz

Dr. Jon Maiz

Jon Maiz is a Ramon y Cajal and Ikerbasque Research Fellow at the Centro de Fisica de Materiales (CFM) (CSIC-UPV/EHU) – Materials Physics Center (MPC) in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain. His research focuses on elucidating the critical roles of structure and dynamics in the development of advanced polymer materials, including block copolymers, dipolar glass polymers, and vitrimer-like systems, for energy-related applications.

Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez

Dr. Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez

Alberto Alvarez Fernandez is a Gipuzkoa Fellow researcher at the Centro de Fisica de Materiales (CFM) (CSIC-UPV/EHU) – Materials Physics Center (MPC) at Donostia-San Sebastian (Spain). His research interests include the development of complex architectures based on block copolymer self-assembly for sensing and optical applications, as well as the study of phenomena such as drug delivery and lipidic membrane interactions.

Advancements in polymer nanoconfinement: tailoring material properties for advanced technological applications

Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez and Jon Maiz

 RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, Advance Article. DOI: 10.1039/D4LP00234B

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 recent articles Submit your manuscript today Sign up for email alerts Follow us on social media

To celebrate the growth and development of the RSC Applied Polymers community and to highlight the remarkable authors who continue to contribute their high quality work to the journal we would like to share the opinions and insights of these authors through this introductory blog post. Once dubbed #RSCAppliedfirst50, our blog posts aim to give a voice to the authors behind the research and hope that their insights might shed light upon growing challenges and progress in polymer science and its applications.

In this edition, we hear from Bing Zhong, Yu Wang, Yin Zhang and Wei You in a short introduction to their study entitled ‘Investigation of the influence of substituents on the dielectric properties of polyethylene derivatives.’

An Introduction to  ‘Investigation of the influence of substituents on the dielectric properties of polyethylene derivatives.’

Dielectric materials are characterized by their ability to polarize under an applied electric field, a property quantified by the dielectric constant. Polymer dielectrics, valued for their low density, flexibility, and ease of processing, are prevalent in electronics and energy storage. The dielectric constant dictates their utility; for instance, PVDF and its copolymers, with high dielectric constants, serve as capacitors and piezoelectric materials, while BOPP films, with low constants, are used in cable and component packaging.

Polymer dielectrics exhibit multi-scale polarization, influenced by factors from atomic electron clouds to phase interfaces. Their properties are determined by chemical structure, microstructure, and external fields, offering a wide range of tunable dielectric characteristics. However, construction of the structure-property relation is challenging due to the complex interplays among these factors.

You’s research group has employed a novel post-functionalization strategy to study the impact of functional groups on dielectric properties. By introducing various functional groups with precise structures and quantities, they have demonstrated the ability to regulate the dielectric constants of the resulting polymers effectively.

Starting with commercial poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA), the authors introduced various functional groups, including halogens, phenyl ethers, azides, macrocyclic structures, and norbornene groups, using a approach based on Mitsunobu reactions. These groups not only possess different dipole moments but also modulate the polymer chain’s net dipole moment. The incorporation of halogen groups and macrocyclic structures significantly enhances the energy density and dielectric breakdown strength of the resulting polymers, making them ideal for use in capacitors.

Fig. 1 General route for polyethylene derivative preparation via the Mitsunobu reaction and chemical structures of the ten study samples.

Fig. 2 Dielectric comparison of prepared polyethylene derivatives.

The authors also discovered that blending with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) can reduce dielectric loss while enhancing the dielectric constant at low frequencies. This enhancement is due to the compatibility between LLDPE and polyethylene derivatives, which facilitates the orderly arrangement of dipole moments, thereby improving polarizability.

Fig. 3 SEM images of (a) PE-Br/LLDPE, (b) PE-I/LLDPE, (c) and PE-OPh/LLDPE blends.

More importantly, the new polymer blends exhibit superior mechanical properties and thermal stability, with a breakdown strength 1.4 times higher than pure LLDPE and an elongation at break exceeding 1000%. These characteristics ensure the reliability of polyethylene-based dielectric materials in high-temperature and high-electric field environments.

Fig. 4 Mechanical property comparison of PE-Br, PE-I, PE-OPh, and their blends.

The study explores the influence of functional group structure on polymer dielectric properties and highlights the Mitsunobu-based post-polymerization functionalization as a platform for evaluating substituent effects on synthetic polymers. This approach is expected to shed new light on enhancing polymer dielectric properties.

Bing Zhong

Ms. Bing Zhong obtained her Bachelor degree from Xiangtan University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her PhD degree at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the guidance of Researcher Wei You. As a second-year graduate student, her research endeavors are centered on the in-depth investigation of the dielectric characteristics of materials and the innovative development of gas separation membranes.

Yu Wang

Dr. Yu Wang got his Bachelor degree from National Cheng Kung University in 2011 and his PhD degree in chemical engineering from National Cheng Kung University in 2018. Then he started as a postdoctoral associate at College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University. Since April 2022, Dr. Wang has been an Assistant Researcher at the Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on the microstructural characterization and establishing structure-property relationships for functionalized polyolefin materials.

Yin Zhang

Dr. Yin Zhang received his PhD degree in 2023 from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Wei You. Since December 2023, Dr. Zhang joined the National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Green Preparation Technology of Biobased Materials, Yunnan Minzu University as an Assistant Researcher. His research interest focuses on the design and development of green bio-based polymer materials.

Wei You

Dr. Wei You got his Bachelor degree from Tsinghua University in 2011 and PhD degree in organic chemistry from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2016. Then he started as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University. Since November 2019, Dr. You joined the Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences as a principal investigator. His research interest focuses on the preparation of advanced functionalized polyolefin materials.

Investigation of the influence of substituents on the dielectric properties of polyethylene derivatives.

Bing Zhong,    Yin Zhang,    Wei You   and  Yu Wang

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

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.

Julian Smith Jones

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

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

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

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

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.

Steven Craig

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Alberto Picchi

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.

Marco Carlotti

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.

Andrea Pucci

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.

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

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

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.

Dr Bandyopadhyay

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

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.

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

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