Themed collection Most Popular RSC Applied Polymers Articles

Early-career researchers from around the world summarize recent developments and present visions for the future of vat photopolymerization 3D printing.

Recent studies are presented that advance NIR 3D printing. Cutting-edge technologies are identified, including support-free DIW, in vivo bioprinting, and volumetric multimaterial modification with perspective on volumetric projection printing.

Polymer electrolytes have been an effective alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes in battery applications due to their advantages, which demand an increased attention to improve them further.

Interfacial design using strategically chosen linkers, like cysteamine, can effectively mitigate confinement effects in ionomer thin films and improve proton transport in targeted directions.

This study reports the design of a elastomeric vitrimer based on poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EVA-GMA) elastomer using a dual dynamic network of β-hydroxy ester and disulphide metathesis reactions.

This work presents the design, ink formulation, and fabrication of a PEDOT:PSS-based temperature sensor for wearable applications. The sensor shows robust electrical stability under bending, stretching, and long-term use.

Gelatin methacrylate suitable for bioprinting and tissue engineering is produced using an optimized and scaleable flow chemistry process.

The adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by resins for water remediation was studied to protect human health and the environment.

Hydrolysis pretreatment accelerated PLA biodegradation by disrupting its amorphous regions, reducing molecular weight, and forming less stable crystalline structures, while its impact on PCL was minimal.

Responsive, self-healing, fluorescent, and adhesive gels were prepared via integrating UCST (gelatin) and LCST (PNIPAm) polymers, crosslinked by Schiff base chemistry.

By leveraging dynamic phosphodiester bonds in 3D printed foams, enhanced expansion and strengths are achieved. Dynamic bonds enable higher crosslinking density and improved energy dissipation, resulting in versatile and high-performance materials.

Lithium metal battery anodes have been stabilized by grafting a polymer brush onto a hydroxide layer formed by controlled exposure to water vapor, effectively preventing dead lithium aggregates and dendritic growth during cycling.

Epoxy vitrimers are versatile thermoset polymers with good mechanical and reprocessable properties.