Review Article
Mussel-inspired biomimetic adhesive coatings for food preservation: a review
Mussel-inspired adhesive coatings with UV-blocking property and antioxidant activity for enhancing the shelf-life of food items.
Paper
Tandem CO2 valorisation to polycarbonate vitrimer and ethylene carbonate
A CO2-derived PCHC vitrimer cured with zinc stearate enables rapid reprocessing, efficient glycolysis, and >97% conversion to ethylene carbonate. When applied to CFRPs, it allows complete resin valorisation and recovery of pristine fibres.
Paper
Poly(ethyl glyoxylate)-derived self-immolative elastomers
A poly(ethyl glyoxylate) derived self-immolative network, which is elastic and degradable by UV light and pH.
Paper
Thermoplastic-like mechanical performance of heterogeneous photopolymers for additive manufacturing with tailored hyperbranched rubbers
Toughening of 3D printed photopolymers was achieved by introducing endgroup functionalized hyperbranched polyethylene as a crosslinker to a maleimide-styrene photopolymer matrix to introduce microphase separation.
Paper
A roll-to-roll chitosan finishing strategy for elastane recovery
Roll-to-roll dip-coating of elastane with a dissolvable chitosan layer is introduced to enable recovery from fiber blends. This approach targets key recycling barriers, preserves elastane integrity, and may aid separation from mixed textile waste.
About this collection
RSC Applied Polymers is pleased to present this themed collection highlighting the rising stars of applied polymer science research in 2025. This special collection showcases the very best work from researchers in the early stages of their independent career.
Each contributor was recommended by experts in their fields as carrying out work with the potential to influence future directions in the applications of polymer science. Congratulations to all the outstanding researchers featured!