Mastodawn

A long-theorized material has become reality: DNA-based Olympic gels. Their structure is stabilized not by chemical crosslinks, but by mechanically interlocked molecular rings. A striking example of how geometry and topology shape material behavior.

🔗 https://phys.org/news/2026-04-olympic-gels-theorized-class-dna.html

#SoftMatter #Topology #DNA #Polymers #Physics

Researchers create Olympic gels, a long-theorized class of DNA-based soft materials

An interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Elisha Krieg at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF) has successfully synthesized and characterized Olympic gels, a long-theorized class of soft materials. Unlike conventional gels, which are held together by chemical crosslinks, Olympic gels derive their structural stability from the mechanical interlocking of ring-shaped molecules, similar to chain mail.

Phys.org

3D Print 🧵 3Dable.IT May 26

Sinterit has launched the BIANCO2, a compact selective laser sintering system featuring a 30W RF CO2 laser. Designed for material flexibility and process control, the Euro 47000 machine targets medical, automotive and defence applications. Build volume reaches 130 x 180 x 330mm with speeds up to 30mm/h. Shipping begins Q4 2026. https://www.tctmagazine.com/sinterit-launches-compact-sls-platform-powered-by-a-30w-rf-co2-laser/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Polymers

Sinterit launches compact SLS platform powered by a 30W RF CO₂ laser

The €47,000 machine has been developed in response to growing demand for greater material freedom and more advanced process control.

TCT

The-14 May 22

We’re ‘green chemists’ – why we think this emerging science can transform the way the world uses its resources
#Chemistry #GreenChemistry #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #CarbonCapture #Polymers #GreenIndustry #Innovation #CircularEconomy #FoodPackaging
https://the-14.com/were-green-chemists-why-we-think-this-emerging-science-can-transform-the-way-the-world-uses-its-resources/

We’re ‘green chemists’ – why we think this emerging science can transform the way the world uses its resources | The-14

Green chemistry transforms industry by redesigning materials, turning waste and CO₂ into useful products for a sustainable, low-carbon circular economy.

The-14 Pictures

Richard Michael Blaber May 22

https://theconversation.com/decarbonising-everything-is-impossible-heres-why-280677. "Roughly 15-20% of all #fossilfuel #consumption is never burned at all. It is transformed into the #physical #fabric of #modern #life: #plastics, #polymers, #fertilisers, #adhesives, #solvents & #synthetic #textiles... The #chemical #industry is the upstream #engine of many modern #materials, using about 14% of global #oil #demand & 8% of global #gas demand. Much of that is used as a raw #material rather than #fuel."

Decarbonising everything is impossible – here’s why

The solution is not to eliminate carbon from industry but to change where it comes from.

The Conversation

Kevin Breitwieser May 8

Currently working in my presentation for the #NordicPolymerDays2026 in Stockholm.
https://nordicpolymerdays2026.treesearch.se/

Ready to bore everyone by explaining how theoretical models can be used to predict polymer solubility!
#Chemistry #Science #Polymers

Show thread

gary Apr 29

@jack_daniel snake oil is purported to aid in improving bark strength, i'd stay organic and add compost, improve the general ecosystem #plastics #polymers

Tina M Casey Apr 14

Zwitterions deployed to improve plastic batteries.

https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/13/zwitterions-are-the-key-to-new-solid-state-batteries/

solidstate #batteries #battery #electrolyte #energy #energystorage #research #innovation #polymers #plastic #science #energytransition #evs #electricvehicles

Zwitterions Are The Key To New Solid-State Batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have fine-tuned zwitterions to create a new polymer electrolyte for solid-state batteries.

CleanTechnica

Tina M Casey Apr 14

Zwitterions deployed to improve plastic batteries.

https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/13/zwitterions-are-the-key-to-new-solid-state-batteries/

solidstate #batteries #battery #electrolyte #energy #energystorage #research #innovation #polymers #plastic #science #energytransition #evs #electricvehicles

Zwitterions Are The Key To New Solid-State Batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have fine-tuned zwitterions to create a new polymer electrolyte for solid-state batteries.

CleanTechnica

PostSapiens Apr 12

Electrode technology achieves 86% efficiency for converting CO₂ into plastic precursors In the process of converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals such as ethylene—a key precursor f... https://phys.org/news/2026-04-electrode-technology-efficiency-plastic-precursors.html #PostSapiens #polymers

Electrode technology achieves 86% efficiency for converting CO₂ into plastic precursors

In the process of converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals such as ethylene—a key precursor for plastics—a major challenge has been the flooding of electrodes, where electrolyte penetrates the electrode structure and reduces performance. KAIST researchers have developed a new electrode design that blocks water while maintaining efficient electrical conduction and catalytic reactions, thereby improving both efficiency and stability.

Phys.org

matecurkovic Apr 2

Researchers at Purdue University have used blood proteins to assemble conductive n-PBDF polymers directly in the brain, forming safe, mesh-like structures around neurons. This breakthrough could lead to “living electronics” that integrate bioelectronics with the body. Monitoring long-term safety and polymer stability remains crucial. #Neuroscience #Polymers #Bioelectronicshttps://cen.acs.org/materials/polymers/Blood-proteins-help-build-conductive/104/web/2026/04