Xiao-Long Li, Xuan-Xuan Zi, Xiao-Feng Liu, Ming Guo, Yan-Hui Zhong, Bei Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3604-y
    Abstract:Polyurethane polymer grouting materials with rapid expansion and solidification characteristics have been widely applied for infrastructure repair and reinforcement. An accurate characterization of the chemical reaction process of the slurry is essential for investigating its grouting mechanism. However, the high concentration of isocyanate groups in such polymer systems causes a “flat-top phenomenon” in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rendering it difficult to accurately determine the conversion rate. To address this issue, a real-time method for measuring the reaction conversion rates of slurry components was proposed. The polyol conversion rate was obtained by tracking the integral area changes of the C―O bond peak in the carbamate product relative to the internal standard. The total slurry volume was determined at different time intervals using light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based point cloud scanning, from which the gas volume was estimated. Combined with the solubility curve of the physical blowing agent and ideal gas law, the conversion rate of the chemical blowing agent was calculated. The isocyanate conversion rate was indirectly inferred based on the measured polyol and chemical blowing agent conversions. This method was applied to a polyurethane grouting material used in an engineering project, and the time-resolved conversion curves of all components throughout the reaction were obtained. The results revealed a three-stage evolution: a slow initial increase, a rapid rise in the middle stage, and a gradual deceleration in the later stage. The foaming reaction proceeded consistently faster than the gelation reaction did. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the diffusion mechanisms of polyurethane polymer slurries.  
    Keywords:Grouting materials;Polymer;Chemical reaction;Component conversion rate testing   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Rui Wu, Jin-Qi Zhang, Xun Xiao, Mei-Xiang Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3584-y
    Abstract:Ionogels are a class of soft materials composed of ionic liquids and polymer networks. They possess many fascinating intrinsic properties (e.g., ionic conductivity, near-zero vapor pressure, and wide thermal and electrochemical operation windows) that make them promising for applications in ionotronics, sensors, energy storage devices, and flexible electronics. In addition to these intrinsic properties, ionogels can acquire additional functionalities (such as self-healing, shape memory, and adhesion) through structural design and the introduction of functional additives, thereby further expanding their application scope. This review focuses specifically on these additional functionalities of ionogels, elucidating their design strategies and applications and highlighting the current challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly developing field.  
    Keywords:Ionogel;Functionality;Wearable sensors;Energy storage devices;Biomedicine   
    9
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Yu Xue, Fu-Cheng Wang, Qiao-Bo Wang, Liang-Jie Shan, Hui Li, Ji Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3570-4
    Abstract:Direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing has emerged as an indispensable advanced manufacturing technology in biomedical engineering owing to its material compatibility, structural precision, and multimaterial integration capabilities. By digitally programming hydrogel ink deposition, DIW 3D printing enables the controllable fabrication of high-performance hydrogel bioelectronic devices featuring complex 3D architectures, high-fidelity electrophysiological recording/stimulation, and mechanical compliance with soft tissues, thereby establishing a technological foundation for next-generation personalized medical electronics. This review systematically summarizes the recent progress in DIW-printed hydrogel bioelectronics, first elaborating design strategies for hydrogel inks that reconcile printability with functionality through synergistic engineering of rheological behavior, electrical conductivity, tissue adhesion, and biocompatibility. We comprehensively analyzed state-of-the-art wearable and implantable devices fabricated via DIW 3D printing, highlighting their advantages in electrophysiological monitoring, precision stimulation, and biosensing. Finally, we conclude by critically evaluating the current challenges and future directions, thereby establishing a framework for DIW 3D printing to become a foundational platform for customized biointegrated interfaces.  
    Keywords:3D printing;Direct-ink writing;Hydrogel;Bioelectronics;Biointerface   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Xue Wang, Xin Fu, Lie Chen, Ming-Jie Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3591-z
    Abstract:Phase-separated ionogels have emerged as a promising class of functional materials characterized by their unique thermodynamic behavior. In contrast to conventional polymer networks that rely on specific chemical structures, phase separation in these systems stems from the thermodynamic instability of polymer-solvent interactions. This mechanism allows precise control over material properties through a multiscale structural design. Ionic liquids (ILs), which serve as the dispersion medium, play a pivotal role in tuning the lower critical solution temperature/upper critical solution temperature (UCST/LCST) phase behavior of the corresponding ionogels owing to their tunable cation-anion combinations, polarity, and hydrogen-bonding capacity. These features not only facilitate the construction of thermally responsive ionogels but also provide a versatile platform for mechanistic studies. This review systematically explores the formation mechanisms of phase separation in ionogels, emphasizing the crucial influence of the physicochemical properties of ILs and categorizing the key driving forces behind phase separation. It further examined the distinctive effects of phase separation on the surface/interfacial properties, mechanical behavior, and electrical performance of ionogels, incorporating the latest research advances. Finally, the current challenges and prospective research directions for phase-separated ionogels were outlined.  
    Keywords:Phase separation;Ionic liquid;Functional ionogel   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Mustafa Ersin Pekdemir, Karukh Ali Babakr, Sibel Selçuk Pekdemir, Nilay Akkuş Taş, Şeymanur Çetik, Ibrahim Nazem Qader, Sedanur Altun, Recep Taş, Mediha Kök, Hülya Tuncer

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3608-7
    Abstract:Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites containing functional nanoparticles have attracted growing interest because interfacial phenomena can strongly influence macroscopic properties. In this study, ZnCoS nanoparticles were synthesized by a green microwave-assisted route and incorporated into a poly(lactic acid)/polyaniline (PLA/PANI) matrix at 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt% loadings. Dynamic light scattering indicated an average hydrodynamic diameter of 195.35 nm, suggesting partial aggregation in the dispersion. The ATR-FTIR spectra indicated nanoparticle-polymer interfacial interactions without evidence of chemical alteration of the polymer backbone. X-ray diffraction showed a non-monotonic crystallinity trend, with an initial decrease at low nanoparticle loading followed by an increase at higher loadings, consistent with heterogeneous nucleation. Thermal analysis showed improved thermal stability, with the char yield increasing from 4.30% for the neat PLA/PANI to 10.70% at 20 wt% ZnCoS, while the glass-transition and melting temperatures remained essentially unchanged. Dielectric and AC electrical measurements showed a frequency-independent conductivity plateau at low frequencies, followed by dispersive behavior at higher frequencies, consistent with hopping-type charge transport. At low ZnCoS loadings, interfacial charge trapping reduced the AC conductivity and dielectric loss, whereas higher loadings enhanced interfacial polarization and partially recovered the conductivity. The dielectric spectra showed clear Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars polarization and broad relaxation, indicative of a distribution of relaxation times, underscoring the key role of interfacial effects in the electrical response. Overall, the results clarify the nanoparticle-polymer interfacial contributions in biodegradable nanocomposites and support their relevance in functional and transient material systems.  
    Keywords:ZnCoS nanoparticles;Poly(lactic acid)/polyaniline (PLA/PANI) nanocomposite;Green synthesis;Shape-memory behavior;Dielectric properties   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Shu-Xing Yin, Guo-Jun Che, Cheng Qian, Meng Yu, Can Zhou, Sheng-Wen Kong, Chuang-Qi Zhao, Lei Jiang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3684-8
    Abstract:Hydrogels have been widely used in tissue engineering and biomedical applications owing to their high water content and tunable functionality. Nevertheless, high water content and loosely cross-linked networks restrict the mechanical properties of hydrogels and their practical applications. Herein, we present a facile approach for designing strong and tough bacterial cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) (BC/PVA) double-network hydrogels involving immersing BC into PVA solutions and then freezing-thawing. The PVA chains encapsulate the BC nanofibers through hydrogen bonding interactions and chain entanglement, infiltrate the fibrous network, and thereby enhance the densification of the BC/PVA hydrogel. Concurrently, repetitive freeze-thaw cycles facilitate the regulation of PVA chain conformation and promote PVA crystallization, which increases the rigidity of the PVA segments. The resulted hydrogel demonstrates an exceptional tensile strength of (2.13±0.03) MPa, a remarkable toughness of (1.15±0.03) MJ·m–3, and a high water content of up to 95%. Furthermore, the double-network hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility. This study offers a practical strategy for the design of robust and tough hydrogels with potential utility in biomedical applications.  
    Keywords:Strong and tough hydrogels;Double-network;Hydrogen bond;Network densification   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Zi-Ye Liu, Yi-Hu Song, Qiang Zheng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3632-7
    Abstract:Antioxidants are generally used for prolonging the lifespan of rubber products, while their influences on the vulcanization kinetics and mechanical properties are rarely investigated. Herein, the synergistic roles of conventional antioxidants (6PPD, MB, 2246) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) in natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), their blends, and the blends filled with carbon black (CB) and black talc (BT) were examined. The results showed that antioxidants and DES influenced the vulcanization kinetics, crosslinking density and mechanical behaviors markedly. A combination of MB and DES resulted in NR/SBR-CB/BT composite vulcanizates with high strength and low dissipation characteristics. DES formed hydrogen bond/ion-pair complexes with antioxidants, and, in NR, interacted with non-rubber constituents, thereby modulating cure intermediates and sulfur-bond distributions, paving the way for preparing high performance rubber composites.  
    Keywords:Natural rubber;Styrene-butadiene rubber;Antioxidant;Deep eutectic solvent;Mullins effect   
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    Updated:2026-05-20

    Zheng-Jie Zhang, Wei-Shao Xu, Li-Jun Ma, Ying-Xiang Li, Yu-Qi Guo, Guo-Jie Zhang, Zhong-Yan Zhang, Yan Wang, Hong Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3605-x
    Abstract:Polymer brush-based surface modification plays a crucial role in tailoring material properties across a wide range of applications, from biomedicine to electronics. Grafting density and dispersity are key parameters governing the performance of polymer brushes; however, the influence of polymer chain rigidity on these characteristics remains insufficiently understood. Polymer chain rigidity is intrinsically determined by chemical structure and can be further modulated by intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, solvent quality, external fields, and topological constraints. In this work, we focus on isolating the role of chain rigidity by controlling it through intramolecular bond-angle interactions in coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with an implicit solvent description, allowing a systematic investigation of its role in polymer brush fabrication via both “grafting-to” and “grafting-from” strategies using a stochastic reaction model. For the grafting-to strategy, a moderate increase in chain rigidity enhances grafting density, whereas excessive rigidity restricts chain mobility, thereby hindering grafting efficiency. We further examine the effects of polymer chain length, solution concentration, and surface grafting site density, revealing that grafting kinetics are governed by the cooperative interplay of these factors. To optimize grafting density in binary polymer brushes of flexible and rigid chains using the “grafting-to” strategy, we compare three grafting approaches—flexible-first/rigid-second (F/R), rigid-first/flexible-second (R/F), and simultaneous grafting, by varying the initial ratio of rigid chains (λ). The results show that simultaneous grafting with a high fraction of rigid chains yields the highest grafting density, providing a pathway for optimizing the fabrication of high-density polymer brushes. In contrast, for the grafting-from strategy, with the rigidity range investigated in this study, increasing chain rigidity promotes more extended chain conformations, reduces the spatial shielding of surface initiation sites, and leads to polymer brushes with higher grafting density and lower dispersity. Overall, this study elucidates the mechanistic role of polymer chain rigidity in brush formation and provides theoretical guidance for the rational design and controlled fabrication of high-performance surface-modified materials through conformational regulation.  
    Keywords:Grafting-from;Grafting-to;Chain rigidity;Polymer brushes;Coarse-grained molecular simulation   
    16
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    Updated:2026-05-15

    Xiang Gao, Ji-Shuo Ye, Zhi-Ji Liu, Jian Wu, Ning-Zhong Bao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3618-5
    Abstract:This study simultaneously plasticizes and strengthens poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with structurally different ionic liquids (ILs), namely monomeric [Bmim]NTf2, linear polymerized PImC6NTf2, and branched polymerized P(VIm-4)NTf2. Notably, PImC6NTf2 exhibits the best performance. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that the glass transition temperature of PImC6NTf2/PVC composite film is lower than that of dioctyl phthalate (DOP)/PVC, indicating enhanced processability. Compared with neat PVC film, the 4% PImC6NTf2/PVC film exhibits 747.2%, 165.4%, and 49.1% increases in elongation at break, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus, respectively, along with a 27.4-fold rise in fracture energy. Additionally, the thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and wear resistance of PVC are also improved. These findings demonstrate the great potential of linear polymerized ILs as innovative PVC plasticizers.  
    Keywords:Poly(vinyl chloride);Ionic liquid;Plasticizer;High toughness;High strength   
    27
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Yu-Xin Xi, Ke Jia, Jia-Hui Wang, Xu Cao, Si-Hui Deng, Jun-Hui Miao, Xing-Xin Shao, Jun Liu, Li-Xiang Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3628-3
    Abstract:The development of high-performance cathode interlayers (CILs) with low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels (EHOMO), capable of effectively suppressing dark current, is crucial for advancing organic photodetectors (OPDs). Herein, we report the first design of alcohol-soluble n-type conjugated polymers based on the boron-nitrogen coordination bond (B←N) unit, serving as CILs for high-performance OPDs. Benefiting from the strong electron-withdrawing capability of the B←N unit and the acceptor-acceptor (A-A) backbone, the polymer simultaneously achieves an EHOMO of –5.88 eV and a high electrical conductivity of 1.36×10−6 S·cm−1. An ultralow dark current density of 1.66×10−9 A·cm−2 under –1 V bias was achieved in OPDs incorporating this CIL, which is one order of magnitude lower than that of devices with the state-of-the-art CIL, resulting in a specific detectivity (D*) of up to 1.86×1012 Jones in the near-infrared (NIR) region. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first report on B←N-unit-based n-type polymers as CILs for OPDs, providing a novel paradigm for designing next-generation ultra-low-noise optoelectronic devices.  
    Keywords:B←N unit;Organic photodetectors;Dark current density;Low HOMO energy level   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Sheng Long, Cheng Chang, Bei Zhou, Defa Hou, Xu Lin, Yuan Zou

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3665-y
    Abstract:We report a bioinspired, facile strategy for synthesizing melanin-like nanoparticles via highly selective room-temperature polymerization of levodopa (L-DOPA), a native eumelanin precursor, using benzoyl peroxide. This method overcomes traditional synthesis limitations, yielding poly(L-DOPA) with covalently incorporated benzoyl fragments, and demonstrates significantly enhanced ultraviolet absorption for advanced photoprotective applications.  
    Keywords:Biomimetic materials;Melanin;Benzoyl peroxide;Poly(L-DOPA);UV protection   
    17
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Ihsan Ullah, Wen-Jun Yang, Ye Liu, Ci-Long Chu, Youyong Yuan

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3633-6
    Abstract:Self-immolative polymers (SIPs) have recently emerged as a distinct class of stimuli-responsive materials that undergo programmed domino-like degradation in response to specific biochemical triggers. The unique biochemical characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) include acidic pH, elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), dysregulated enzymes, and hypoxia. TME-responsive SIPs have attracted significant attention for precise cancer imaging and therapy. By integrating labile linkages and modular structural design, these polymers can amplify weak biochemical signals into robust responses, enabling controlled drug release, signal amplification in imaging, and multifunctional theranostics. Compared with conventional responsive systems, SIP-based nanoplatforms offer enhanced sensitivity, tunable degradation kinetics, and the potential for sequential or cascade activation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design principles, activation mechanisms, and functional applications of TME-responsive SIPs. We highlight representative strategies for their use in targeted drug delivery, tumor imaging, and synergistic therapeutic approaches and discuss the incorporation of emerging modalities such as near-infrared II (NIR-II) imaging and combination immunotherapy. Finally, we outline the major challenges and opportunities for advancing SIP-based nanomedicines for clinical translation and offer perspectives on how this rapidly evolving field may reshape the future of precision cancer diagnosis and treatment.  
    Keywords:Tumor microenvironment;Self-immolative polymers;Stimuli-responsive polymers;Drug delivery systems;Theranostics;Cancer therapy   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Ze-Kai Zheng, Shuai-Fei Zhang, Long-Qing Wang, Meng-Chao Kuang, Zhen Zhang, Chong-Yang Wang, Yan-Ping Liu, Chun-Tai Liu, Zhen Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3607-8
    Abstract:Melt shear-induced crystallization of miscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PVDF/PBSU) blends was investigated through a series of structural and morphological characterizations. By varying the shear rate and blend composition, we obtained two key findings regarding the γ-phase generation. First, the γ-phase fraction within the samples showed non-monotonic behavior, initially increasing and then decreasing with increasing shear rate ($ \dot{\gamma } $), indicating the existence of an optimal $ \dot{\gamma } $ value for maximizing γ-phase formation. Second, adding PBSU significantly enhanced shear-induced γ-phase crystallization, not only elevating the γ-phase fraction at the optimal $ \dot{\gamma } $ but also considerably broadening the effective $ \dot{\gamma } $ range to achieve a high γ-phase content. In contrast, PBSU did not promote γ-phase formation in untreated blends. These results highlight the synergy between the shear flow and PBSU addition in facilitating the polar γ-phase in PVDF. Finally, we constructed shear phase diagrams to depict the γ-phase crystallization within the parameter space of the shear rate/chain orientation and blend composition. It is speculated that melt shear primarily facilitates γ-phase nucleation through chain orientation, whereas PBSU enhances γ-phase growth after nucleation by promoting chain diffusion and/or hydrogen bonding interactions with PVDF. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of γ-phase crystallization under shear flow and provides a reference for regulating the polar phase of PVDF through direct melt processing.  
    Keywords:Poly(vinylidene fluoride);Shear-induced crystallization;Polar γ-phase   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Shan Lin, Hong-Yan Zhu, Chun-Meng You, Da-Ming Ban

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3634-5
    Abstract:As a bio-based and biodegradable aliphatic polyester, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) holds great promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-derived plastics. However, its inherent flammability remains a critical barrier to its use in advanced polymer composites requiring stringent fire-safety standards. In this work, a phosphorus/nitrogen-containing flame retardant (FMPO) was synthesized from melamine (MEL), formaldehyde (FA) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) at a 1:1 molar ratio to serve as a flame-retardant modifier for PLA. The results demonstrated that with only 1 wt% FMPO loading, the PLA composite achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased significantly to 33.2% by 5 wt%. At the same flame retardant content, PLA/5MEL only showed a LOI of 26.8% and a UL-94 V-2 rating. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength of PLA/5FMPO was significantly improved, exhibiting 136% and 41% higher impact strength and tensile strength than PLA/5MEL. The analysis of char residue and incomplete combustion products revealed that FMPO exhibits a bi-phase flame-retardant effect, characterized by gaseous-phase inert-gas dilution and radical quenching, along with a condensed-phase thermal barrier from the carbon layer. This study demonstrates an efficient and sustainable strategy for fabricating high-performance, flame-retardant PLA materials through P/N synergistic fire resistance.  
    Keywords:Poly(lactic acid);Phosphaphenanthrene;Flame retardants;Mechanical properties;Flame retardancy mechanism   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Han-Lei Cheng, Qing-Li Zhu, Zhi-Jian Wang, Josef Breu, Zi-Liang Wu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3646-1
    Abstract:Self-sustained continuous motion is a central functional objective in soft actuators and robotics. One key challenge lies in establishing a persistent, self-regulated deformation feedback in soft materials under external stimulation, which is ultimately rooted in their geometry and configuration. Here, based on a cylindrical hydrogel with fast, reversible, and anisotropic photoresponsiveness, we construct a series of hydrogel rings by twisting one end of the gel string and closing it into a loop. By regulating the built-in twist (Tw) and the resulting internal prestress, the rings adopt distinct configurations that give rise to multiple motion modes under light irradiation. Gel rings with relatively small Tw remain in quasi-flat configurations and display coupled rolling and spinning motions. As Tw increases, the rings undergo Michell’s instability and rapidly snap into a figure-of-eight configuration upon light irradiation, subsequently exhibiting irregular tumbling motions. At even larger Tw, the rings adopt “dough twist” configurations, showing persistent rolling under constant irradiation. Distinct motion modes arise from different actuation-deformation feedback loops established in hydrogels with distinct configurations and stress distributions. These results demonstrate not only the role of the configuration in governing locomotion, but also the potential of a single hydrogel system to achieve diverse motion behaviors through programming internal stresses.  
    Keywords:Topological structures;Ring topology;Self-regulated motions;Anisotropic hydrogels;Feedback loops   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Rui Wang, Zhao-Yu Ran, Li Meng, Qi Li

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-025-3545-x
    Abstract:Polymer film-based dielectric capacitors are required to operate stably and efficiently at extreme temperatures in the emerging applications including underground oil and gas extraction, electrified transportation and space exploration, etc. However, the commercial benchmark polymeric dielectric, biaxially oriented polypropylene, can only withstand up to 105 °C, and its electrical insulation performance deteriorates sharply with increasing temperature. Recently, numerous reported strategies, such as surface engineering of polymer films and polymer-inorganic particle blending have reached considerable achievements in balancing the temperature capability and electrical insulation properties of polymeric dielectrics, but show less promise in production scale-up with respect to the all-organic dielectric systems. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of polymer molecular structure design and all-organic composite systems towards high-temperature capacitive energy storage. The correlation of high-temperature capacitive energy storage performance and multi-level structures of all-organic dielectrics is established, and the effect of molecular structures on the charge transport behavior is analyzed. Moreover, the strategy of utilizing materials informatics to design the molecular structure of high-temperature polymers is introduced. Finally, the advantages and limitations of all-organic polymer dielectrics in the field of high-temperature capacitive energy storage are summarized, and the future development directions are highlighted.  
    Keywords:Dielectric capacitors;Dielectric polymers;High-temperature energy storage;Molecular structure   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Bang-Wei Wan, Yang Yang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3609-6
    Abstract:Conductive elastomer composites (CEC) are widely used in flexible electronics, structural health monitoring, and aerospace applications. However, their resistive strain response often exhibits a shoulder peak effect, which undermines signal stability and measurement accuracy. In this study, the generation and suppression mechanisms of the shoulder peak effect were clarified by regulating hydrogen bonding interactions on the surface of nano-silica. Experimental results combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrate that in samples (OCV-260) fabricated with hydrophobic nano-silica (OB), the hydrophobic surface induces weak hydrogen bonding between conductive carbon black (CB) and OB. This interaction reduced the hysteresis area of the resistive-strain response by 78.84%, suppressed the adhesion-desorption migration of CB along silicone rubber (SR) molecular chains, and prevented sudden resistance spikes during unloading, thereby eliminating the shoulder peak effect. In addition, OCV-260 exhibited a 97.19% enhancement in the strain sensitivity coefficient (GF), a 53.20% extension of the monitoring range, and a rapid response time of 221 ms. Remarkably, no shoulder peak effect was detected, even after 1×104 loading-unloading cycles. These findings offer a promising strategy and broad application potential for achieving long-term, precise sensing in CEC for aerospace, flexible electronics, and structural health monitoring.  
    Keywords:Conductive elastomer composites;Shoulder peak effect;Resistive-strain response signal;Hydrogen bonding;Nano-silica   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Xu-Jiang Sun, Yan-Ru Zhang, Jia-Peng Ma, Xu Wang, Ke-Jian Cui, Ting-Ting Feng, Gui-Long Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3641-6
    Abstract:Lightweight materials are essential for advanced green manufacturing and ecological sustainability because they reduce energy consumption, minimize pollution, and improve resource utilization. Herein, a reinforcement strategy utilizing activated carbon (AC) as a functional filler to enhance the foaming behavior of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) was developed, enabling the successful fabrication of lightweight, high-strength, and elastic TPEE/AC foams with superior hydrophobic and thermally insulating performance using environmentally friendly microcellular foaming technology. The uniform dispersion of AC enhanced the melt strength and the solubility of CO2, thereby significantly improving the foaming behavior, resulting in refined cell structures and reduced shrinkage. The optimized T-A-5 foam achieved a high expansion ratio (16.0), low shrinkage ratio (70.0%), and high recovery ratio (79.4%), outperforming the pure TPEE foam by 15.9%, 12.3%, and 212.6%, respectively. Moreover, the viscoelastic properties of TPEE/AC composites tested under two different conditions revealed contrasting trends in loss factor, indicating that the influence of fillers on TPEE viscoelasticity is highly temperature-dependent and state-sensitive. Further, the lightness and blackness of TPEE/AC foams can be tailored by varying AC content and cellular morphology. Moreover, the TPEE/AC foams exhibited improved compressive strength, low thermal conductivity (35.9 mW·m–1·K–1), and high hydrophobicity (122.5°). This study provides an effective strategy for designing high-performance TPEE foams with significant potential for energy-saving and environment-friendly applications.  
    Keywords:TPEE foam;Activated carbon;Microcellular foam;Blackness;Thermal insulation   
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    Updated:2026-05-14

    Meng-Qing Su, Xiao-Lin Song, Xin-Fu Zhao, Xi-Bin Yi, Si-Jia Liu, Xiao-Chan Liu, Jin-Yi Ren, Jin-Xu Zhu, Qiang Zhang, Zhen-Guang Zhang, Yan-Tao Qu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3627-4
    Abstract:Polyimide (PI) aerogels are at the forefront of heat insulation applications. However, their relatively limited mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance constrain their broader application. This study presents an innovative strategy for preparing PI/ZrO2 composite aerogels with a double-cross-linked network structure. The embedding of ZrO2 nanoparticles into the PI aerogel matrix was enabled by the formation of hydrogen bonds and Zr―O bonds, thus leading to the creation of an ordered, layered network architecture. The introduction of ZrO2 nanoparticles caused a reduction in the thermal conductivity of the PI/ZrO2 composite aerogel from 0.0367 W·m–1·K–1 to 0.0305 W·m–1·K–1. Meanwhile, it significantly increased the compressive strength of the PI/ZrO2 composite aerogel. When the ZrO2 content is 2%, the mechanical strength increases from 0.67 MPa to 1.43 MPa. At 800 °C, the residual mass of the PI/ZrO2-5% aerogel exceeded that of the PI aerogel by 2.3%. These enhancements can be attributed to the cross-linked network triggered by the ZrO2 nanoparticles. Owing to its low thermal conductivity and high-temperature tolerance, ZrO2 remarkably improved the thermal insulation and thermal stability of the aerogel. To assess the feasibility of industrial-scale application of the PI/ZrO2 composite aerogel, a series of pilot-scale amplification experiments were conducted. These results confirm the stability and reproducibility of the synthesis process. The PI/ZrO2 composite aerogel exhibited considerable potential for a wide range of applications across diverse fields.  
    Keywords:Polyimide aerogel;Thermal conductivity;Mechanical strength   
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    Updated:2026-05-12

    Jia-Xin Gao, Wen-Wei Lei

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3578-9
    Abstract:Hydrogel-based self-floating catalytic materials have become a key interfacial platform in the field of solar-driven chemistry, effectively solving the difficulties of traditional powder catalysts in the aqueous phase, such as easy agglomeration, sedimentation, and limited mass transfer. In this study, the design strategy, structural properties, and interfacial advantages of these materials were systematically described, and the mechanisms of precursor mixing, in situ synthesis, and post-modification in regulating the distribution of active sites, gel structure formation, and multifunctional integration were analyzed. Through the construction of stable three-phase interfaces, the materials form a reaction microenvironment with a generalized enhancement effect. The structural design significantly improves the light trapping efficiency and carrier separation performance in photocatalytic processes and simultaneously strengthens the mass transfer process and local reactant concentration in peroxide activation reactions, establishing a synergistic system in which the adsorption, enrichment, and catalytic processes are tightly coupled. Successful applications in the fields of organic pollutant degradation, solar-driven chemical synthesis, and interfacial evaporation have demonstrated the wide applicability of this technology. By systematically combining the research progress in this field, this study aims to provide a theoretical basis for the development of efficient and stable interfacial catalytic platforms and promote the development of sustainable environmental remediation and energy conversion technologies.  
    Keywords:Self-floating;Hydrogel-based catalyst;Three-phase interface;Construction strategies;Multifunctional application   
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    Updated:2026-05-12
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