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

A team from the Klausen , Craig , and Kulik labs report that differences in ring strain enthalpy between cis and trans isomers of sila-cycloheptene provide a driving force for both polymerization and depolymerization via olefin metathesis. The work showcases that subtle structural modifications can have dramatic effects on chemical reactivity relevant to polymer end-of-life management. Article Link

The NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure has awarded Prof. Heather Kulik a new allocation for the project "Developing Accurate Materials Design Strategies Across Method- and Length-Scales". That project has been awarded an allocation on the following resources: SDSC Expanse Projects Storage: 13,465.0 GB SDSC Expanse GPU: 74,750.0 GPU Hours SDSC Expanse CPU: 4,331,520.0 Core-hours Based on cost estimates provided by the resource providers, the allocation of resources awarded to this project would represent approximately $68,319 in support. Congratulations Heather and good luck with the project!

The award recognizes and encourages accomplishments and innovation of unusual merit in the field of basic or applied polymer science. A half-day symposium will be held in Jeremiah's honor at the Spring 2025 ACS National Meeting in San Diego, CA. The award (sponsored and administered by the POLY division of the ACS) also includes a plaque, honorarium, and travel assistance to attend the spring meeting. Congratulations Jeremiah!

The award recognizes outstanding fundamental contributions and achievements in the field of polymer chemistry. Michael will be honored at the ACS National Awards Ceremony and Symposium in San Diego at the Spring Meeting in March 2025. The award (sponsored by ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering) also includes a plaque, cash prize, and travel assistance to attend the spring meeting. Congratulations Michael!

An independent study has demonstrated that because of the streamlined syntax of BigSMILES, polymer ML workflows based on BigSMILES consistently required shorter training times compared to those based on SMILES, particularly in large language model scenarios. The authors conclude that as datasets for polymer ML training grow, using BigSMILES as a representation could significantly accelerate the construction of polymer ML pipelines, whether in forward screening paradigms or inverse design paradigms. ChemRxiv Link

MONET Postdoc Tetsu Ouchi has accepted an Assistant Professor position at Louisiana State University. Congratulations Tetsu!

Yunyan has successfully defended his thesis, "The Tension Activated Carbon-Carbon Bond: From Physical Organic Models to Functional Organic Materials". Congratulations Dr. Sun!

Herb has successfully defended his thesis, "Synthesis and Reactivity of Azaborine and Silicon Molecules for Polymeric Materials". Congratulations Dr. Wakefield!

A team from the Steinmetz  and Nelson  labs  introduce a 3D-printable virus-like particle (VLP)-enhanced cross-linked biopolymer system. VLPs displaying surface-available acrylate groups were prepared through aza-Michael addition to serve as resins. The VLP resins were then photopolymerized into a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) network following DLP 3D printing. This approach represents a convergence of disciplines, where the synergistic interaction between virology and additive manufacturing unlocks new frontiers in biotechnology. Article Link