Search Results (1,063)

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of modern thermosensitive polymer systems for in situ systems (ISSs) which are used for targeted drug delivery in situ. The main classes of polymers used to create “smart” hydrogels that undergo a “sol–gel” phase transition in response to a temperature stimulus in the physiological range are considered. Key representatives of thermosensitive matrices are described in detail: synthetic block copolymers (poloxamers, block copolymers of polylactic-co-polyglycolic acid with polyethyleneglycol, etc.) and natural, modified natural, and semi-synthetic polymers (chitosan, including in combination with β-glycerophosphate, xyloglucan, etc.). This paper systematizes the advantages and disadvantages of various thermosensitive systems and highlights the key risks in their pharmaceutical development, including the influence of the nature and concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients on the rheological properties and phase transition temperature. Particular attention is paid to the difference between thermoreversible and irreversible gel-forming systems. Modern in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methods for evaluating critical quality parameters of thermosensitive systems, such as gelation temperature and time, gel strength, mucoadhesive properties, and release kinetics, are discussed. The need to develop standardized and biologically relevant methods to improve the reproducibility and success of preclinical studies is emphasized. The review is intended to help researchers to make informed choices about polymer matrices and optimize compositions for successful pharmaceutical development. Full article

In this study, core–shell molecularly imprinted polymers (CS-MIP) were utilized for the detection of the herbicide S-metolachlor in surface water samples, collected from a river and pond that are in the proximity of cornfields. The study revealed that no traces of herbicide were detected in the samples that were analyzed. The collected water samples were treated with membrane filtration—microfiltration and ultrafiltration. The adsorption isotherms were fitted using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Scatchard models. This indicated that the Scatchard model is the most appropriate for CS-MIP. The data obtained from the kinetic study were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, as well as Fick’s second law. For CS-MIP, the most suitable model was determined to be the particle diffusion model, while for core–shell non-imprinted polymers (CS-NIP), the film diffusion model was identified as the limiting step. A method for the desorption of S-metolachlor from the pH-sensitive sorbent bed has been developed, thereby enabling the material to be reused. The optimum eluent from the multicomponent solution was determined to be a 30% aqueous ethanol solution with a pH of approximately 9. This solution effectively removed the majority of contaminants, with the exception of S-metolachlor, which was retained within polymer pores. Full article

Enhancing the solubility and processability of graphene remains a critical challenge, limiting its integration into advanced materials systems. In this work, poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PtBA) and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) were grafted onto graphene via controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to create well-defined polymer–graphene hybrids with tunable interfacial properties. ATRP enabled the synthesis of PtBA and PNIPAM homopolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions and systematically varied chain lengths (4–18 kDa), allowing direct correlation between polymer architecture and material performance. Notably, the thermos-responsive behavior of PNIPAM was strongly dependent on chain length, highlighting the importance of controlled polymer design. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed successful grafting and chemical modification of the graphene surface. In addition, pilot studies demonstrate the ATRP synthesis of PtBA-b-PNIPAM block copolymers and their hydrolysis to PAA-b-PNIPAM, providing a platform for future development of multifunctional graphene interfaces. Overall, this study establishes a versatile and precisely controlled route for engineering polymer-grafted graphene with enhanced solubility and tunable functionality, enabling broader applications in smart materials and hybrid nanocomposites. Full article

Star polymers with dense shell structures exhibit unique advantages in molecule encapsulation. The incorporation of dendronized polymers as arms into star polymers enables the formation of spherical core–shell structures with high-density chain stacking, which is of great significance for enhancing their encapsulation capabilities. Here, we report on the synthesis of a new type of star dendronized polymer consisting of oligoethylene glycol (OEG)-based dendronized polymers as the arms and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the core. Due to the thickness of individual dendronized polymer arms, the morphology of star dendronized polymers was directly visualized by an atomic force microscope (AFM). These star polymers inherit characteristic thermoresponsiveness from the OEG-based dendronized linear polymers, and their thermoresponsive behavior depends mainly on the grafting density of polymer chains on the AuNP cores and the molecular weights of the polymer arms. More importantly, these star dendronized polymers exhibit a tunable encapsulation capacity to guest molecules, which can be modulated through thermally induced aggregation. By virtue of these peculiarities, these thermoresponsive star dendronized polymers with tailorable release properties hold promise as smart nanoboxes for bio-applications, including drug delivery and biosensing. Full article

Smart textiles require conductive materials that maintain electrical stability under repeated mechanical deformation and laundering while preserving textile-like flexibility. In this work, an elastic–rigid copolymer elastomer was designed as a polymer binder for washable conductive pastes used in wearable textile electronics. The copolymer was synthesized using polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), and m-xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), enabling the incorporation of thermally stable imide segments and elastic polyurethane domains within a single polymer framework. By adjusting the molar ratio between rigid and soft segments, the resulting copolymer exhibited balanced tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elastic recovery, outperforming a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane in mechanical performance. Silver-filled conductive pastes were prepared by dispersing 62 wt% micrometer-sized silver flakes into the copolymer matrix, achieving a bulk resistivity of 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ Ω·cm. The printed conductive films showed stable electrical resistivity under cyclic tensile deformation up to 20% strain. Washing durability was further evaluated following the AATCC 135 top-loading laundering standard. After 50 laundering cycles, the resistance increase remained within 2.8–5.5 Ω for knitted fabrics and 2.0–5.1 Ω for woven fabrics, indicating satisfactory electrical stability and adhesion to textile substrates. These results suggest that elastic–rigid copolymer binders are suitable for the development of wash-durable conductive pastes for wearable textile applications. Full article

Polymer-based systems have been shown to have a particular combination of characteristics that make them desirable in technological sectors, such as lightness, insulating properties, and easy molding during processing, as well as mechanical versatility, which is greatly due to their molecular microstructure. Nevertheless, they still present limitations in mechanical performance and use at moderate/high temperatures, considerably restricting their range of applications. Thus, great efforts have been directed towards developing strategies intended to enhance said characteristics and predict their complex mechanical behavior, with the main goal of adapting their properties to the end-use application. The present review considers the most recent developments, focusing on the research published in 2025 and early 2026, and future challenges in the mechanical behavior of polymer-based materials, being structured according to material considerations, more specifically the development of advanced (nano)composites based on high-performance matrices and functional nanoparticles, as well as bio-based polymer (nano)composites obtained from renewable sources and multifunctional smart and meta-materials for monitoring and long-term use; the development of new processing methods, focusing on advanced additive manufacturing; and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. All in all, the final objective is generating knowledge that will enable the preparation of components with tailor-made mechanical characteristics and functional properties, covering material design and processing. Full article

Conventional tribological materials such as metals, ceramics, and synthetic polymers demand energy-intensive processing and create end-of-life waste. This motivates the search for more sustainable alternatives. Recent research demonstrates that agricultural residues, industrial by-products, post-consumer waste, and recycled polymers can be engineered into tribological systems that provide competitive wear resistance, stable friction, and multifunctional benefits, including thermal dissipation and vibration damping. This review summarizes progress across these material categories, highlighting how fillers like rice husk ash, fly ash, tire-derived carbon black, and reprocessed plastics transition from low-value waste into high-performance tribomaterials. System-level strategies such as interface engineering, hybrid reinforcement, and advanced processing are essential for overcoming material variability and achieving reliable tribological performance. In parallel, optimization approaches, including predictive modeling and smart material design, are increasingly enabling improved consistency, reproducibility, and scalability. Applications in automotive braking systems, recycled carbon black composites, acoustic damping structures, coatings, and reinforced polymers confirm the industrial viability of waste-derived materials. While challenges remain in feedstock variability, standardization, and long-term durability, these developments point to waste-based tribology as a practical pathway toward circular economy solutions that unite sustainability with engineering performance. Full article

There is an increasing demand for multifunctional devices, that can operate simultaneously as energy storage and electrochromic display devices, widely known as electrochromic supercapacitors. For instance, Prussian blue (PB) exhibits outstanding electrochromic properties; however, it has not been well explored for energy storage applications. Moreover, the electrochemical properties can be enhanced by surface engineering the host material via compositing with conducting polymers. In this work, we studied the electrochromic supercapacitor properties of composites such as Prussian blue-polyaniline (PB-PANI). The PB-PANI 90 composite thin-film electrode exhibited the highest coloration efficiency of 461.39 cm²/C and demonstrated superior electrochemical performance, with an aerial capacitance of 50.80 mF/cm² and an optical modulation of 19.4%. All samples achieved rapid switching times of less than 3 s. These findings highlight the potential of optimizing conducting polymer coatings on Prussian blue to achieve a well-balanced composite structure with enhanced morphological properties, paving the way for advanced multifunctional electrochromic supercapacitor devices in next-generation smart systems. Full article

Functional polymers are designed to enhance the evaporative cooling capacity of sports clothing ensembles, though little is known about how they alter the material properties of commonly used fabrics. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of a commercially available textile finish treatment (HeiQ Smart Temp ^TM) on the structural, thermal, and moisture management properties of synthetic (SYN; 100% polyester) and blended (BLEND; 47% lyocell, 46% cotton, 7% elastane) fabrics. Structural (fabric mass, thickness, bulk density, relative porosity), thermal (air permeability, water vapour permeability, water vapour resistance) and moisture management properties (wetting time, spreading speed, wetting radius, absorption, vertical wicking rate) were assessed and compared between treated and untreated samples. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) in air permeability (SYN: Δ 26.0 mm.s⁻¹; BLEND: Δ 61.6 mm·s⁻¹), wetting time (SYN: Δ 0.3 s; BLEND: Δ 0.3 s), and spreading speed (BLEND: Δ 1.1 mm·s⁻¹; SYN: no change) were recorded following treatment. Non-significant changes in water vapour permeability (SYN: Δ 0.1; BLEND: Δ 0.1), water vapour resistance (SYN: Δ 0.7 Pa·m²W⁻¹; BLEND: Δ 0.4 Pa·m²W⁻¹) and vertical wicking (BLEND: Δ 6.1 mm·s⁻¹; SYN: no change) were also observed following treatment. Though not all material properties improved, this study provides evidence that the functional polymer treatment can enhance the evaporative cooling capacity of sports clothing fabrics. Future research is needed to understand how these results translate to physiological, perceptual, and performance-based effects in wearer trials during exercise. Full article

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites represent a transformative class of structural materials, combining low density, high specific strength, and excellent fatigue resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CFRPs, addressing their structure, manufacturing routes, mechanical performance, and functional behavior, with particular emphasis on damage tolerance, tribological properties, and environmental durability. The discussion begins with the classification and morphology of carbon fibers, highlighting their influence on composite anisotropy and interlaminar behavior. The effects of impact loading, delamination, and environmental conditioning on residual strength and fatigue life are then examined, with reference to established evaluation methods such as ASTM D7136 and compression-after-impact (CAI) testing. From a tribological perspective, the incorporation of nanoscale additives, such as graphite nanoplatelets and TiO₂ nanoparticles, and their contribution to enhancing wear resistance by promoting the formation of stable tribofilms, is explored. Advances in processing techniques, including low-pressure curing and improved resin systems, are also discussed for their roles in enhancing manufacturability and energy efficiency. Overall, the review underscores that optimal CFRP performance is achieved through the synergistic integration of fiber architecture, matrix design, and precise processing control, while future progress in nanomodification, recycling, and sustainable curing technologies is expected to further expand CFRP applications in the aerospace, automotive, and high-performance engineering sectors. Full article

Tight oil reservoirs are widely recognized as a critical successor in global unconventional energy development and are generally characterized by distinct geological features, including fine pore throats, pronounced heterogeneity, and a high concentration of clay minerals (e.g., montmorillonite and mixed-layer illite/smectite). Severe hydration, swelling, and fines migration are readily induced during water injection or conventional water-based fluid operations, thereby resulting in irreversible impairment of reservoir permeability. Despite the excellent injectivity and capacity for viscosity reduction associated with CO₂ flooding, sweep efficiency is severely compromised by viscous fingering and gas channeling, which are induced by the inherent low viscosity of the gas. While CO₂ foam technology is widely acknowledged as a pivotal solution for addressing mobility control challenges, its implementation is hindered by a primary technical bottleneck: the incompatibility between traditional water-based foam systems and strongly water-sensitive reservoirs. A dual challenge comprising water injectivity constraints and gas channeling is presented by strongly water-sensitive tight oil reservoirs. To address these impediments, three emerging low-damage CO₂ foam systems are critically evaluated in this review. First, the synergistic mechanisms of novel quaternary ammonium salts and polymers in inhibiting clay hydration and enhancing foam stability within modified water-based systems are elucidated. Next, the physical isolation strategy of substituting the water phase with a non-aqueous phase (oil/organic solvent) in organic emulsion systems is analyzed, highlighting advantages in wettability alteration and the mitigation of water blocking. Finally, the prospect of waterless operations using CO₂-soluble foam systems—wherein supercritical CO₂ is utilized as a surfactant carrier to generate foam or viscosify fluids via in situ formation water—is discussed. It is revealed by comparative analysis that: (1) Modified water-based systems are identified as the most economically viable option for reservoirs with moderate water sensitivity, wherein cationic stabilizers are utilized to inhibit hydration; (2) Superior wettability alteration and the elimination of aqueous phase damage are provided by organic emulsion systems, rendering them ideal for ultra-sensitive, high-value reservoirs, despite higher solvent costs; (3) CO₂-soluble systems are recognized as the future direction for “waterless” flooding, specifically tailored for ultra-tight formations (<0.1 mD) where injectivity is critical. Current challenges, such as surfactant solubility, high-temperature stability, and cost control, are identified through a comparative analysis of these three systems with respect to structure-activity relationships, rheological properties, damage control capabilities, and economic feasibility. What is more, an outlook is provided on the molecular design of future environmentally sustainable, cost-effective CO₂-philic materials and smart injection strategies. Consequently, theoretical foundations and technical support are established for the efficient exploitation of strongly water-sensitive tight oil reservoirs. By bridging the gap between reservoir damage control and mobility enhancement, this study identifies viable strategies for enhanced oil recovery. Crucially, it supports carbon neutrality and sustainable energy targets via CCUS integration. Full article

Stimuli-responsive textiles are a rapidly evolving class of functional fiber-based materials that sense and adapt to environmental triggers. Within these enabling technologies, hydrogels and microcapsules are very illustrative, as they offer complementary mechanisms for moisture management, controlled release, and adaptive performance. Hydrogels provide soft, water-rich polymer networks with modifiable swelling, permeability, and mechanics, while microcapsules offer protection and targeted delivery of active agents through engineered shell structures. When integrated into fibrous networks, they impart dynamic detection responses for moisture, temperature, pH, mechanical stress, light, and chemical or biological agents. This review critically examines progress in design, synthesis, and textile integration of hydrogel- and microcapsule-based systems, with emphasis on materials that exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior rather than passive or extended-release functionality. Strategies for incorporating bulk hydrogels, micro- and nanogels, and stimuli-responsive microcapsules into fibers, yarns, and fabrics are discussed in addition to applications such as smart apparel, medical and hygienic textiles, controlled drug delivery, antimicrobial fabrics, and adaptive filtration media. Existing challenges for durability, washability, response kinetics, scalability, and sustainability are highlighted, while future research directions are proposed to advance the development of robust and intelligent textile systems at the nexus of soft matter science and fiber engineering. Full article

Smart polymers have attracted significant scientific interest in recent years because of their capability to modify their physical and/or chemical properties in response to external stimuli, including temperature, pH, and electric or magnetic fields. Poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) is a pH-responsive polymer with significant potential for biomedical applications. Significant research has focused on the synthesis of PDEAEMA polymers given their potential in smart polymer applications. In this study, PDEAEMA thin films were synthesized via a planar inductively coupled plasma (ICP) system at 13.56 MHz in both continuous and pulsed modes. The effects of substrate temperature, plasma power, and plasma pulse off time on polymer surfaces were systematically studied. The deposited polymer films were analyzed for their chemical composition and structural properties using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the plasma environment was analyzed using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). Results indicated that polymers prepared under pulsed plasma conditions more closely retained the structure of the monomer. Moreover, the deposition rate increased as the plasma pulse off time decreased in pulsed mode experiments. PDEAEMA-based copolymer films were deposited to investigate their behavior under different pH conditions. The results indicate that the films exhibited distinct responses in acidic and basic environments. Full article

To address the limitations of conventional superabsorbent polymers in complex aqueous environments, a novel ternary composite gel (BT-SAP) based on xanthan gum, poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide), and bentonite was synthesized via a facile one-pot polymerization. Characterization confirmed the formation of a stable organic–inorganic hybrid three-dimensional network. The gel demonstrated outstanding comprehensive performance: a maximum water absorption capacity of 378.6 g/g; good adaptability to various pH levels, salt ions, and real water bodies; and rapid absorption kinetics and reusable potential over multiple cycles. Simultaneously, it exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 181.3 mg/g for methylene blue. The adsorption isotherm followed the Freundlich model, indicating adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. Kinetic studies revealed that the process was best described by the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the rate-controlling step. XPS analysis further elucidated that the adsorption primarily occurred through the synergistic effect of electrostatic attraction from carboxyl groups and hydrogen bonding from amide/hydroxyl groups within the gel. This work provides a new strategy for developing smart materials integrating efficient water absorption and dye removal functionalities. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and distributed energy solutions has driven increasing interest in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as platforms for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. Biowaste-based triboelectric nanogenerators (BW-TENGs) represent an attractive strategy by coupling renewable energy generation with waste valorization under the principles of the circular bioeconomy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of BW-TENGs, encompassing fundamental triboelectric mechanisms, material categories, processing and surface-engineering strategies, device architectures, and performance evaluation metrics. A broad spectrum of biowaste resources—including agricultural residues, food and marine waste, medical plastics, pharmaceutical waste, and plant biomass—is critically assessed in terms of physicochemical properties, triboelectric behavior, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and scalability. Recent advances demonstrate that BW-TENGs can achieve electrical outputs comparable to conventional synthetic polymer TENGs while offering additional advantages such as environmental sustainability, mechanical compliance, and multifunctionality. Key application areas, including environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, wearable and implantable bioelectronics, IoT networks, and waste management systems, are highlighted. The review also discusses major challenges limiting large-scale deployment, such as material heterogeneity, environmental stability, durability, and lack of standardization, and outlines emerging solutions involving material engineering, hybrid energy-harvesting architectures, artificial intelligence-assisted optimization, and life cycle assessment frameworks. Full article