Pub Date : 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102039
Samuel W. Kaplan, Aleksandr V. Zhukhovitskiy
Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a chemical mechanism with far-reaching significance for polymer synthesis. For instance, ROMP of olefins has been widely implemented in both industry and academia for the synthesis of a range of polymeric materials with control over molecular weight, dispersity, and architecture. This review covers key developments in ROMP in the last 20 years. Specifically, advances in the control over polymer microstructure, catalytic ROMP, frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization, the metathesis polymerizations of functional groups other than olefins, aqueous ROMP and recent advancements in iron-catalyzed, vanadium-catalyzed, and metal-free ROMP are discussed.
{"title":"Recent advances in ring-opening metathesis polymerizations","authors":"Samuel W. Kaplan, Aleksandr V. Zhukhovitskiy","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a chemical mechanism with far-reaching significance for polymer synthesis. For instance, ROMP of olefins has been widely implemented in both industry and academia for the synthesis of a range of polymeric materials with control over molecular weight, dispersity, and architecture. This review covers key developments in ROMP in the last 20 years. Specifically, advances in the control over polymer microstructure, catalytic ROMP, frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization, the metathesis polymerizations of functional groups other than olefins, aqueous ROMP and recent advancements in iron-catalyzed, vanadium-catalyzed, and metal-free ROMP are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"171 ","pages":"Article 102039"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145305937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102038
Zhuoyu Yin , Yoonseob Kim
Synthetic polymers, known for their durability, low cost, and functionality, have become indispensable in our lives, yet they also raise significant environmental concerns. Concurrently, energy storage devices, particularly rechargeable batteries, are essential for everyday convenience and are witnessing exponential demand across various applications, from smartphones to personal computers and electric vehicles. As key technologies in achieving “Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality”, the sustainability of batteries establishes a critical goal for advancements in polymer development. Sustainable polymers derived from natural feedstocks or green processes, such as recycling and upcycling, have emerged as promising candidates for sustainable battery manufacturing. This includes applications in solid-state polymer electrolytes, binders, separators, and organic electrode materials. On one hand, sustainable polymers can significantly reduce our reliance on petroleum-based raw materials and eliminate the toxic solvents often used in battery production, thereby alleviating environmental concerns. On the other hand, the development of solid-state polymer electrolytes can lead to batteries with a more compact structure and improved energy density. However, the integration of sustainable polymers into battery technology is still in its early stages, and several challenges need to be addressed to effectively replace petroleum-based polymers. This review summarizes the cycling approaches to sustainable polymers and highlights pioneering research in battery applications over the past decade. We conclude by discussing the potential challenges and promising directions for the future development of batteries utilizing sustainable polymers.
{"title":"Sustainable polymers for battery applications","authors":"Zhuoyu Yin , Yoonseob Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Synthetic polymers, known for their durability, low cost, and functionality, have become indispensable in our lives, yet they also raise significant environmental concerns. Concurrently, energy storage devices, particularly rechargeable batteries, are essential for everyday convenience and are witnessing exponential demand across various applications, from smartphones to personal computers and electric vehicles. As key technologies in achieving “Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality”, the sustainability of batteries establishes a critical goal for advancements in polymer development. Sustainable polymers derived from natural feedstocks or green processes, such as recycling and upcycling, have emerged as promising candidates for sustainable battery manufacturing. This includes applications in solid-state polymer electrolytes, binders, separators, and organic electrode materials. On one hand, sustainable polymers can significantly reduce our reliance on petroleum-based raw materials and eliminate the toxic solvents often used in battery production, thereby alleviating environmental concerns. On the other hand, the development of solid-state polymer electrolytes can lead to batteries with a more compact structure and improved energy density. However, the integration of sustainable polymers into battery technology is still in its early stages, and several challenges need to be addressed to effectively replace petroleum-based polymers. This review summarizes the cycling approaches to sustainable polymers and highlights pioneering research in battery applications over the past decade. We conclude by discussing the potential challenges and promising directions for the future development of batteries utilizing sustainable polymers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"171 ","pages":"Article 102038"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145311158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030
Zhanhui Gan , Jinming Liu , Zhuoqi Xu , Shuai Jia , Xue-Hui Dong
Most synthetic polymers are mixtures of homologous chains that vary in chain length, sequence, and architecture. This inherent heterogeneity blurs fundamental structure-property correlations and compromises experimental resolution, reliability, and reproducibility. Although modern polymerization techniques have achieved remarkable control over molecular parameters, absolute structural uniformity across multi-length scales remains unattainable. Recent progress in iterative synthesis and high-resolution chromatography has facilitated the creation of precision polymers—chains of uniform length, exact sequence, and programmable architecture. This review summarizes recent advances that confer such structural fidelity, focusing on iterative synthetic strategies and chromatographic separations. We further illustrate how these precisely defined molecular parameters translate into quantitatively predictable thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors, exemplified by crystallization and self-assembly in bulk and solution. Emerging applications in electronic information, biomedical engineering, and organic optoelectronics are also outlined. We conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of AI-guided design and automation.
{"title":"Precision polymers: advances in synthesis, structural engineering, and functional optimization","authors":"Zhanhui Gan , Jinming Liu , Zhuoqi Xu , Shuai Jia , Xue-Hui Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most synthetic polymers are mixtures of homologous chains that vary in chain length, sequence, and architecture. This inherent heterogeneity blurs fundamental structure-property correlations and compromises experimental resolution, reliability, and reproducibility. Although modern polymerization techniques have achieved remarkable control over molecular parameters, absolute structural uniformity across multi-length scales remains unattainable. Recent progress in iterative synthesis and high-resolution chromatography has facilitated the creation of precision polymers—chains of uniform length, exact sequence, and programmable architecture. This review summarizes recent advances that confer such structural fidelity, focusing on iterative synthetic strategies and chromatographic separations. We further illustrate how these precisely defined molecular parameters translate into quantitatively predictable thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors, exemplified by crystallization and self-assembly in bulk and solution. Emerging applications in electronic information, biomedical engineering, and organic optoelectronics are also outlined. We conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of AI-guided design and automation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102030"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145141151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102029
Kiarash Farajzadehahary , Shaghayegh Hamzehlou , Nicholas Ballard
Mathematical modeling has long played a crucial role in the development of macromolecular systems, offering a framework for designing polymeric materials to achieve specific targets. Traditionally, these models have been grounded in first-principles knowledge of the underlying physical and chemical processes. However, in recent years, data-driven approaches, particularly those based on machine learning (ML), have gained significant traction. Unlike conventional models, which are constrained by predefined assumptions, ML models offer greater flexibility, which can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, the flexibility of machine learning models makes them particularly useful for analyzing complex systems, such as those common to polymeric materials, which are often challenging to fully capture with traditional approaches. However, a well-known drawback is that their lack of physical grounding can sometimes result in unrealistic predictions. In this review, recent advances in the use of machine learning in the field of polymer reaction engineering are discussed, with a particular focus on how to incorporate the strengths of both first-principles and data-driven mathematical models. The review begins with an overview of the key machine learning techniques currently available and then explores specific scenarios where their application has proven beneficial in modelling of polymeric systems. Following an in-depth discussion of the state-of-the-art with respect to polymer reaction engineering applications, the article concludes with a perspective on the future of this nascent field, outlining key challenges and opportunities for further research.
{"title":"Adding machine learning to the polymer reaction engineering toolbox","authors":"Kiarash Farajzadehahary , Shaghayegh Hamzehlou , Nicholas Ballard","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mathematical modeling has long played a crucial role in the development of macromolecular systems, offering a framework for designing polymeric materials to achieve specific targets. Traditionally, these models have been grounded in first-principles knowledge of the underlying physical and chemical processes. However, in recent years, data-driven approaches, particularly those based on machine learning (ML), have gained significant traction. Unlike conventional models, which are constrained by predefined assumptions, ML models offer greater flexibility, which can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, the flexibility of machine learning models makes them particularly useful for analyzing complex systems, such as those common to polymeric materials, which are often challenging to fully capture with traditional approaches. However, a well-known drawback is that their lack of physical grounding can sometimes result in unrealistic predictions. In this review, recent advances in the use of machine learning in the field of polymer reaction engineering are discussed, with a particular focus on how to incorporate the strengths of both first-principles and data-driven mathematical models. The review begins with an overview of the key machine learning techniques currently available and then explores specific scenarios where their application has proven beneficial in modelling of polymeric systems. Following an in-depth discussion of the state-of-the-art with respect to polymer reaction engineering applications, the article concludes with a perspective on the future of this nascent field, outlining key challenges and opportunities for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102029"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145134552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102028
Fan Ye , Satoshi Aya , Mingjun Huang
In polymer ferroelectrics, spontaneous polarization is linked to the symmetry breaking of permanent dipolar elements, which usually arises from strong dipolar interactions or introduced chirality. Recently, there have been rapid and significant advances in understanding how molecular design and dipolar interactions dictate ferroelectric order in the soft matter field. These insights could greatly enhance our comprehension of polymer ferroelectrics and prompt a reevaluation of their design principles. In this review, we explore the origins of ferroelectricity in polymers, highlighting the critical role of dipolar interactions. We present a comprehensive collection and categorization of all polymer ferroelectrics, including both fluorinated and non-fluorinated systems. Additionally, we discuss domain size, domain wall, and topological engineering of polymer ferroelectrics, followed by an examination of representative and emerging applications. Finally, we offer perspectives on the future development of polymer ferroelectrics, focusing on novel non-fluorinated polymer systems, the flexible tuning of physical properties and performance, and the precise control of topology and polarization distribution.
{"title":"Recent progress and trends in developing polymer ferroelectrics","authors":"Fan Ye , Satoshi Aya , Mingjun Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In polymer ferroelectrics, spontaneous polarization is linked to the symmetry breaking of permanent dipolar elements, which usually arises from strong dipolar interactions or introduced chirality. Recently, there have been rapid and significant advances in understanding how molecular design and dipolar interactions dictate ferroelectric order in the soft matter field. These insights could greatly enhance our comprehension of polymer ferroelectrics and prompt a reevaluation of their design principles. In this review, we explore the origins of ferroelectricity in polymers, highlighting the critical role of dipolar interactions. We present a comprehensive collection and categorization of all polymer ferroelectrics, including both fluorinated and non-fluorinated systems. Additionally, we discuss domain size, domain wall, and topological engineering of polymer ferroelectrics, followed by an examination of representative and emerging applications. Finally, we offer perspectives on the future development of polymer ferroelectrics, focusing on novel non-fluorinated polymer systems, the flexible tuning of physical properties and performance, and the precise control of topology and polarization distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102028"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145127936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102026
Mikihiro Hayashi , Ralm G. Ricarte
Vitrimers have emerged as an innovative class of functional cross-linked polymers, providing recyclability, healability, and post-cured malleability without distinct flow. These features are attributed to the relaxation and diffusion of network strands through associative bond exchanges within the network. Significant progress has been made in investigating the chemical library and new functionalities, along with comprehensive studies on fundamental physics, including relaxation and rheological characteristics. Despite a rapid increase in research publications over the past decade, critical challenges remain in practical applications, particularly regarding preparation protocols, control of physical properties, and the development of analytical techniques. Unlike existing reviews focusing on vitrimer design and basic features, this article highlights recent crucial topics, such as vitrimer transformation from commodity polymers, the trade-off between processability and mechanical performance, and the control/analysis of stress relaxation time and topology freezing temperature, and an understanding of rheological properties, based on experimental, simulation, and theoretical studies. The transformation using commodity polymers could introduce a novel upcycling technique. The trade-off issues propose unique vitrimer designs utilizing phase-separated structures and post-molding curing. Moreover, given the strong correlation between relaxation/rheological properties and processability/recyclability/healability, their control and analysis are vital for both foundational physics and practical applications. Throughout the article, we provide insights and pose new open questions for the next development of vitrimer materials.
{"title":"Towards the next development of vitrimers: Recent key topics for the practical application and understanding of the fundamental physics","authors":"Mikihiro Hayashi , Ralm G. Ricarte","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vitrimers have emerged as an innovative class of functional cross-linked polymers, providing recyclability, healability, and post-cured malleability without distinct flow. These features are attributed to the relaxation and diffusion of network strands through associative bond exchanges within the network. Significant progress has been made in investigating the chemical library and new functionalities, along with comprehensive studies on fundamental physics, including relaxation and rheological characteristics. Despite a rapid increase in research publications over the past decade, critical challenges remain in practical applications, particularly regarding preparation protocols, control of physical properties, and the development of analytical techniques. Unlike existing reviews focusing on vitrimer design and basic features, this article highlights recent crucial topics, such as vitrimer transformation from commodity polymers, the trade-off between processability and mechanical performance, and the control/analysis of stress relaxation time and topology freezing temperature, and an understanding of rheological properties, based on experimental, simulation, and theoretical studies. The transformation using commodity polymers could introduce a novel upcycling technique. The trade-off issues propose unique vitrimer designs utilizing phase-separated structures and post-molding curing. Moreover, given the strong correlation between relaxation/rheological properties and processability/recyclability/healability, their control and analysis are vital for both foundational physics and practical applications. Throughout the article, we provide insights and pose new open questions for the next development of vitrimer materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102026"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102027
Xiaowei Fu , Jae-Man Park , Ruiqi Liang , Yazhen Xue , Mingjiang Zhong
Hierarchical structures are ubiquitous in biological systems—proteins, for instance, achieve complex and precise assemblies through the hierarchical organization of amino acid sequences, enabling diverse and sophisticated functions. Inspired by nature, hierarchically structured synthetic polymers have emerged as a new class of materials capable of forming ordered morphologies with multiple periodicities, surpassing the conventional phase behavior of linear diblock copolymers. This review critically summarizes recent progress in the design and formation of hierarchical structures in synthetic polymers. We categorize current strategies into five major approaches: (1) multiblock copolymers, (2) supramolecular assemblies, (3) liquid crystalline copolymers, (4) polypeptide-based copolymers, and (5) graft/bottlebrush block copolymers. Particular attention is given to approaches that employ diverse macromolecular architectures, including linear, star, and bottlebrush polymers, to access complex morphologies. In addition, we highlight recent advances in polymer-grafted nanocrystals, which give rise to hierarchical superlattices by integrating atomic-level ordering from the nanocrystals with nanoscale periodicity from the polymer corona. We conclude by discussing emerging synthetic directions and potential applications of these hierarchically structured polymeric materials.
{"title":"Hierarchically structured materials derived from synthetic polymers: design and bulk self-assembly strategies","authors":"Xiaowei Fu , Jae-Man Park , Ruiqi Liang , Yazhen Xue , Mingjiang Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hierarchical structures are ubiquitous in biological systems—proteins, for instance, achieve complex and precise assemblies through the hierarchical organization of amino acid sequences, enabling diverse and sophisticated functions. Inspired by nature, hierarchically structured synthetic polymers have emerged as a new class of materials capable of forming ordered morphologies with multiple periodicities, surpassing the conventional phase behavior of linear diblock copolymers. This review critically summarizes recent progress in the design and formation of hierarchical structures in synthetic polymers. We categorize current strategies into five major approaches: (1) multiblock copolymers, (2) supramolecular assemblies, (3) liquid crystalline copolymers, (4) polypeptide-based copolymers, and (5) graft/bottlebrush block copolymers. Particular attention is given to approaches that employ diverse macromolecular architectures, including linear, star, and bottlebrush polymers, to access complex morphologies. In addition, we highlight recent advances in polymer-grafted nanocrystals, which give rise to hierarchical superlattices by integrating atomic-level ordering from the nanocrystals with nanoscale periodicity from the polymer corona. We conclude by discussing emerging synthetic directions and potential applications of these hierarchically structured polymeric materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102027"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-12DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025
Xiangyan Yu , Qichen Zhou , Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou , Han Zhang , Haixue Yan , Michael J. Reece , Minhao Yang , Emiliano Bilotti
Polymer dielectrics play a pivotal role in modern electronic applications, including oscillators, resonant circuits, electronic filters, and energy storage systems. However, the relentless pursuit of higher power densities and operating frequencies in next-generation electronics has led to exponential growth in heat generation. Conventional polymer dielectrics, with their inherently low thermal conductivity (< 0.5 W·m−1·K−1), struggle to dissipate this accumulated heat efficiently, leading to elevated operating temperatures and increased risk of premature dielectric breakdown. To ensure long-term stability and reliability in high-performance electronic systems, a fundamental understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and dielectric behaviour in polymers is essential. Furthermore, novel material‐design approaches are needed to boost dielectric performance and thermal conductivity in tandem, allowing polymer dielectrics to fulfil the exacting demands of next-generation passive components.
{"title":"Review of enhancing thermal conductivity in polymer-based dielectrics as passive components","authors":"Xiangyan Yu , Qichen Zhou , Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou , Han Zhang , Haixue Yan , Michael J. Reece , Minhao Yang , Emiliano Bilotti","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polymer dielectrics play a pivotal role in modern electronic applications, including oscillators, resonant circuits, electronic filters, and energy storage systems. However, the relentless pursuit of higher power densities and operating frequencies in next-generation electronics has led to exponential growth in heat generation. Conventional polymer dielectrics, with their inherently low thermal conductivity (< 0.5 W·m<sup>−1</sup>·K<sup>−1</sup>), struggle to dissipate this accumulated heat efficiently, leading to elevated operating temperatures and increased risk of premature dielectric breakdown. To ensure long-term stability and reliability in high-performance electronic systems, a fundamental understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and dielectric behaviour in polymers is essential. Furthermore, novel material‐design approaches are needed to boost dielectric performance and thermal conductivity in tandem, allowing polymer dielectrics to fulfil the exacting demands of next-generation passive components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102025"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145043514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022
Anzar Khan
The base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of epoxides by thiol nucleophiles, commonly known as the thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction, is a versatile method for forming thioether bonds. This review offers mechanistic insights into the reaction and explores its applications in polymer synthesis. The discussion also includes post-polymerization modifications of thioether linkages into sulfoxides, sulfones, and cationic sulfonium salts, as well as esterification of the secondary hydroxyl groups generated by the ‘click’ reaction. Additional topics include scalability, chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and the formation of disulfide defects. Practical recommendations are provided for optimizing reaction conditions and minimizing side reactions. Finally, future directions are proposed to further expand the utility of this reaction in polymer chemistry.
{"title":"Thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction in polymer synthesis","authors":"Anzar Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of epoxides by thiol nucleophiles, commonly known as the thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction, is a versatile method for forming thioether bonds. This review offers mechanistic insights into the reaction and explores its applications in polymer synthesis. The discussion also includes post-polymerization modifications of thioether linkages into sulfoxides, sulfones, and cationic sulfonium salts, as well as esterification of the secondary hydroxyl groups generated by the ‘click’ reaction. Additional topics include scalability, chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and the formation of disulfide defects. Practical recommendations are provided for optimizing reaction conditions and minimizing side reactions. Finally, future directions are proposed to further expand the utility of this reaction in polymer chemistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102022"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144995548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013
Pengyu Song , Jiachen Lv , Chun Yang , Qianxi Gu , Shangning Liu , Yuanzu Zhang , Wenli Wang , Yunqing Zhu , Jianzhong Du
Polypeptides, as one of the most remarkable biomacromolecules in nature, possess immense application potential due to their protein-mimetic architectures. Since the discovery of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers in the early 20th century, these cyclic derivatives have revolutionized polypeptide synthesis by overcoming the inherent challenges in amino acid polycondensation. NCA remains an active research frontier in polymer science and materials engineering. In this review we critically summarize recent advances in NCA-based polymerization strategies. We first highlight ring-opening polymerization approaches, followed by an in-depth discussion on copolymerization systems with emphasis on monomer compatibility. As molecular assembly serves as the critical bridge connecting polymer synthesis to functional applications, we subsequently analyze various self-assembly mechanisms of NCA-derived polypeptides, with a focus on elucidating the driving forces underlying different supramolecular architectures. Furthermore, we comprehensively overview the emerging functional applications of these polypeptide materials across biomedical and nanotechnology domains. We critically analyze persistent challenges while charting emergent research frontiers in this field. This review not only consolidates the recent progress in NCA polymerization but also provides mechanistic insights into molecular assembly and a roadmap for advancing functional polypeptide materials in next-generation applications.
{"title":"Ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides: An efficient approach toward peptides, peptoids, and functional materials","authors":"Pengyu Song , Jiachen Lv , Chun Yang , Qianxi Gu , Shangning Liu , Yuanzu Zhang , Wenli Wang , Yunqing Zhu , Jianzhong Du","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polypeptides, as one of the most remarkable biomacromolecules in nature, possess immense application potential due to their protein-mimetic architectures. Since the discovery of <em>N</em>-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers in the early 20th century, these cyclic derivatives have revolutionized polypeptide synthesis by overcoming the inherent challenges in amino acid polycondensation. NCA remains an active research frontier in polymer science and materials engineering. In this review we critically summarize recent advances in NCA-based polymerization strategies. We first highlight ring-opening polymerization approaches, followed by an in-depth discussion on copolymerization systems with emphasis on monomer compatibility. As molecular assembly serves as the critical bridge connecting polymer synthesis to functional applications, we subsequently analyze various self-assembly mechanisms of NCA-derived polypeptides, with a focus on elucidating the driving forces underlying different supramolecular architectures. Furthermore, we comprehensively overview the emerging functional applications of these polypeptide materials across biomedical and nanotechnology domains. We critically analyze persistent challenges while charting emergent research frontiers in this field. This review not only consolidates the recent progress in NCA polymerization but also provides mechanistic insights into molecular assembly and a roadmap for advancing functional polypeptide materials in next-generation applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102013"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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