Communication
Straightforward preparation of a tough and stretchable ion gel
A facile preparation method of an ion gel that exhibits high strength and repeated stretchability is realized. A number of polymer chain entanglements in addition to a small number of chemical cross-links support mechanical properties of gel.
pH and glucose dual-responsive phenylboronic acid hydrogels for smart insulin delivery
Phenylboronic acid (PBA) is a widely exploited glucose-sensitive element for constructing glucose-responsive hydrogels to enable smart insulin delivery.
Stress amplification and relaxation imaging around cracks in nanocomposite gels using ultrasound elastography
Stress visualization around cracks in NC gels was performed using ultrasonic elastography. Temporal and spatial mapping are performed non-invasively. Over time, the stress gradient is erased by large-scale reorganization of the polymer network.
Tough supramolecular hydrogels of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-grafted poly(methacrylic acid) with cooperative hydrogen bonds as physical crosslinks
Tough supramolecular hydrogels with high stability over a wide pH range are prepared by constructing cooperative hydrogen bonds between the grafted chain of PDMAA and main chain of PMAAc, and exhibit shape memory ability and recyclability.
Phantom chain simulations for the fracture of star polymer networks with various strand densities
Fracture characteristics of phantom chain networks made from star prepolymers lie on density-dependent master curves if they are plotted against cycle rank. The density dependence cannot be explained by the modulus.
Paper
Relationship between π–A isotherms and single microgel/microgel array structures revealed via the direct visualization of microgels at the air/water interface
The structures of single microgels and microgel arrays at the air/water interface were directly visualized and correlated with π–A isotherms to understand the compression behavior of soft and deformable microgels at the interface.
3D printable and mechanically tunable hydrogels achieved through hydrophobic and ionic interactions
3D printable hydrogels with thermal stiffening properties are achieved by combining hydrophobic interactions that enhance ionic bonds.
About this collection
This Polymer Chemistry and Soft Matter cross-journal collection on Exploring polymer networks: properties, applications, and sustainable solutions is Guest Edited by Akira Matsumoto (0000-0002-7568-8677) (Tokyo Medical & Dental University), Ryota Tamate (0000-0002-1704-1058) (National Institute for Materials Science) and Takamasa Sakai (0000-0001-5052-0512) (The University of Tokyo).
Polymer networks have emerged as focal points within interdisciplinary research spheres owing to their intriguing physical attributes and myriad potential applications. Experts are directing their attention toward polymer networks, seeking to propel advancements in sustainability, human health, engineering, and beyond. This collection covers novel synthesis methods for polymer networks, emerging applications of polymer networks in cutting-edge fields, multi-functional polymer networks capable of exhibiting tailored properties for specific applications, integration of advanced characterization techniques to elucidate the structure-property relationships of polymer networks and the exploration of bio-inspired and biomimetic approaches to designing polymer networks.