A study led by the University of Virginia challenges the traditional understanding of how associative polymers function at a molecular level, which have unique self-healing and flow properties. The research was enabled by new associative polymers developed in the university’s lab and provides a new perspective on the polymers’ behavior, opening opportunities to improve the understanding of particularly challenging areas of study in polymer science. The discovery has important implications for various applications, from engineering recyclable plastics to human tissue engineering and controlling the consistency of paint. Associative polymers provide solutions to pressing challenges in sustainability and health.
Quoting a recent study led by the University of Virginia, a class of materials called associative polymers may not function at the molecular level as previously understood. These materials have unique properties such as self-healing and flow, making them useful in a variety of applications, from engineering recyclable plastics to human tissue engineering to controlling the consistency of paint.
The study, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, was made possible by new associative polymers developed in the lab of LIHENG CAI, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering and chemical engineering at UVA. Cai’s postdoctoral researcher Shifeng Nian and Ph.D. student Myoeum Kim created a novel experimental platform to study the dynamics of associative polymers in ways that weren’t possible before.
“This gave us a new perspective on the polymers’ behavior and provides opportunities to improve our understanding of particularly challenging areas of study in polymer science. And from a technology standpoint, the research contributes to the development of self-healing materials with tailored properties,” said Cai.
Polymers are macromolecules composed of repeating units, or monomers. Scientists can design polymeric materials with specific characteristics by rearranging or combining these units and tinkering with their bonds. Polymers can also change states, from hard and rigid, like glass, to rubbery or even fluid depending on factors such as temperature or force.
Associative polymers are especially unique because their moieties, which are molecular subunits with customizable physical properties, are held together by reversible bonds. This means they can break apart and reform, enabling macroscopic properties inaccessible by conventional polymers.
As a result, associative polymers provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in sustainability and health. For example, they can be used in engineering recyclable plastics, creating self-healing materials with tailored properties, and even in human tissue engineering.
This new study challenges a long-held understanding of how associative polymers function at the molecular level. The breakthrough evolved from a theory that Cai had co-developed before arriving at UVA in 2018.
The discovery has important implications for the countless ways these materials are used every day. From engineering recyclable plastics to human tissue engineering to controlling the consistency of paint so it doesn’t drip, associative polymers are essential in many industries. This research contributes to the development of self-healing materials with tailored properties, which is an exciting prospect for the future of sustainable and innovative materials.
Quoting TechnoloyNetworks, the study “provides opportunities to improve our understanding of particularly challenging areas of study in polymer science.” Subscribe to their daily newsletter for more breaking science news straight to your inbox every day.
