MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected , adaptive societal impacts in four areas:

MONET CCI is transforming polymer and materials chemistry by developing the knowledge and methods to enable molecular-level, chemical control of polymer network properties for the betterment of humankind. We treat networks as complex chemical systems so that the full power of synthetic, physical, and theoretical chemistry is rationally directed toward overarching challenges in de novo molecular network design. Welcome to MONET Center for the Chemistry of M olecularly O ptimized NET works The National Science Foundation ABOUT RESEARCH Impacts MONET's overarching goal is to advance the field of polymer science through innovative research while actively engaging and inspiring the public . MONET's polymer scientists advance interconnected, adaptive molecular networks. MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected , adaptive societal networks. The chemistry of the future is driven by: DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION COMMUNICATION INNOVATION Through our research programs and broader impacts, we aim to improve retention in the sciences, increase interest in pursuing a Ph.D., and broaden participation in underrepresented groups. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM and globally : We aim to provide opportunities for a broad range of participants to engage with STEM meaningfully. We partner with Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations to promote diversity and inclusion. If you would like to propose a partnership to broaden participation in STEM, please contact us.

Broader Impacts MONET's Broader Impacts MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected, adaptive societal impacts in four areas:

A team from the Olsen lab utilize a custom-built rheo-fluoresence setup to quantify bond dissociation in model end-linked associative polymers in real time with nonlinear shear deformation based on a fluorescence quench transition when phenanthroline ligands bind with Ni 2+ . Article Link

A team from the Moore lab introduce the restoring force triangle (RFT) to facilitate understanding of the selective responsiveness of mechanophores as specific molecular units within the macromolecular backbone that are particularly sensitive to tension. The RFT helps chemists intuitively understand how tensile force contributes to the activation of a putative mechanophore, facilitating the development of mechanochemical reactions and mechano-responsive materials. Article Link

A team from the Nelson and Olvera de la Cruz labs establish a strain learning mechanical metamaterial that can not only recover after plastic deformation but also become stronger and stiffer in response to the applied loads. These protein–polymer strain learning metamaterials offer a unique platform for materials that can autonomously remodel after being deformed, mimicking the remodeling processes that occur in natural materials. Article Link