RSC - Polym. Chem. latest articles

Single-chain Level Decoding of the Conformational Distribution in Bisphenol A Polycarbonate

Polym. Chem., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00189K, Paper

Yining Wang, Xinxin Bao, Wentao Yuan, Yuchen Wang, Hu-Jun Qian, Zhong-Yuan Lu, Yu Bao, Shuxun Cui
Bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) exhibits cis and trans conformations depending on the relative orientation of the phenyl groups to the carbonate moiety, which critically influences its mechanical and thermal properties....
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Correction: Fluorescent surface-grafted block copolymer brushes obtained in a versatile post-polymerization approach

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY90046A, Correction

Open Access

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Piotr Wieczorek, Tomasz Kuciel, Tomasz Uchacz, Szczepan Zapotoczny
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Carboxylic acid α-end-functionalized poly(2-oxazoline)s synthesized through benzylic CROP initiators

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00309E, Paper

Open Access

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Caroline T. Holick, Nora Engel, Nicole Fritz, Christine Weber, Ulrich S. Schubert
Bromomethylbenzoates are suitable initiators for the polymerization of 2-oxazolines. They provide high end-group fidelity and enable access to heterotelechelic polyoxazolines and block copolymers with methyl ester or carboxylic acid end groups.
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Inner side-chain engineering of non-fullerene acceptors enables efficient thick-film all-polymer solar cells

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00221H, Paper

Wenhao Peng, Xiaoman Gui, Shisong Sun, Zhenyu Wei, Panfeng Gao, Meixiu Wan, Lijun Huo
Tuning acceptor alkyl spacer length controls H-aggregation in all-polymer solar cells. PM6:PY-EH yields 16.38% PCE, retains 14.24% at 410 nm—ideal thickness tolerance for roll-to-roll manufacturing.
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Zinc-based coordination exchange in epoxy networks cured via frontal polymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01170A, Communication

Open Access

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Christoph Schmidleitner, Stefan Hirner, Elisabeth Rossegger
Frontal polymerization meets dynamic chemistry: Zn²⁺-epoxy networks enable coordination-driven bond exchange. Zinc loading and counter anion tune front behavior, relaxation, and thermomechanical properties, enabling adjustable, weldable materials.
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Supramolecular assembly of a poly(ionic liquid) ABC triblock copolymer with monovalent halogen bond donors

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1351-1356
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01102G, Communication

Abena Asabea Adjei, Mark Potter, Chandan Giri, Tiago Carneiro Gomes, Simon Rondeau-Gagné, Ngong Kodiah Beyeh
Comprehensive analysis of assemblies formed by a halogen bond accepting triblock polymer and discrete donors. Cooperative halogen, π–π, and fluorine–fluorine interactions drive stoichiometry-dependent changes and tunable self-assembly behavior.
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Synergistic molecular design of key components to address the performance trade-off challenge in bio-based polyurethanes

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1431-1452
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00049E, Paper

Jun Du, Zhe Mei, Xinyi Shen, Qingcheng Du, Liwei Liao, Shijing Yan, Liying Liang
One-pot synthesis from isosorbide (ISO) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) affords a bio-based polyurethane hybrid, representing a novel strategy for sustainable polymers beyond conventional property trade-offs.
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Thermoplastic solid-state polymer electrolytes based on linear B–A–B tri-block copolymers

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1357-1366
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00227G, Paper

Xiaohang Wang, Yingxue Wang, Shengxiao Zhang, Zhengfeng Ma, Keling Hu
Thermoplastic B–A–B tri-block copolymer, was synthesized and employed as solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). This study highlights a topological design strategy for mechanically robust SPEs for next-generation lithium-based energy storage systems.
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Multifunctional conductive hydrogels with low hysteresis and excellent water retention and anti-freezing properties as flexible wearable sensors

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1419-1430
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00019C, Paper

Binhang Yuan, Ying Yue, Qinxue Wang, Huijing Han, Meiran Xie, Xiaojuan Liao
A multifunctional conductive hydrogel with excellent stretchability, low hysteresis, and outstanding anti-freezing and water retention properties was successfully constructed via the synergy of hydrogen bonding and Li⁺–O coordination.
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Alkali metal borate conjugated block polyelectrolytes as tuneable mixed ionic-electronic conductors

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1405-1418
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00119J, Paper

Open Access

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Sebastian J. Leeming, Samuel Fryer, Georgina L. Gregory
Alkali metal borate conjugated block polyelectrolytes show cation-dependent mixed ionic-electronic transport, with p-type electronic transport activated above 1-1.5 V and Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ conductivities responding distinctly to P3HT chain length.
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Direct synthesis of fluorinated hyperbranched polyethylenes by chain walking copolymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1395-1404
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01150G, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.

Peishuai Dai, Naiheng Song, Zhibin Ye
Hyperbranched polyethylenes containing fluorine groups are synthesized via direct Pd–diimine-catalyzed chain walking polymerization.
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A computational framework for tuning intra- and intermolecular ductility in polyurethanes

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1385-1394
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01221J, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.

Chenxi Sheng, Meng Huang, Andrew P. Dove, Linjiang Chen
The design framework of isohexide-based polyurethane.
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Selectively controlled ring-opening copolymerization to chemically recyclable thermoplastic elastomers

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1377-1384
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00127K, Paper

Yun-Cong Ye, Yong-Hong Luo, Min Xie, Qing Cao, Zhongzheng Cai, Jian-Bo Zhu
This one-pot sequence-controlled copolymerization allowed us to prepare a series of triblock thermoplastic elastomers with chemical recyclability.
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Tailoring local conjugation in heptazine-based polymers through donor unit engineering for photocatalytic water splitting

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1367-1376
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY00894H, Paper

Xinyu Zhao, Wenjing Nie, Chunbo Liu, Yingnan Zhao, Renquan Guan, Zhao Zhao, Wenbo Wang, Huaqiao Tan
The incorporation of donor energy levels enhances the optical absorption, charge carrier separation, and exciton dissociation in carbon nitride, thereby endowing it with superior redox photocatalytic performance.
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Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly for the Synthesis of Degradable Particles Incorporating Ethyl Lipoate

Polym. Chem., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00218H, Paper

Fan Yang, Jacinta White, Yufu Wang, Yanting Gao, Daniel Yuen, Angus Philip Raynor Johnston, Almar Postma, Lewis D. Blackman, Georgina Kate Such
Polymeric nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical applications due to their ability to protect cargo, enhance bioavailability and enable controlled cargo release. Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a versatile and scalable...
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Synthesis of optically active polymers containing a main-chain hydroxamic acid backbone via asymmetric polymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00186F, Paper

Naoya Kanbayashi, Kiyotaka Onitsuka
Synthesis of an optically active polymer bearing a hydroxamic acid backbone.
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Modulatable structural colors in rapid-curing high-performance hydrogels

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00291A, Paper

Qiang Zhang, Xiao Yang, Zhaoyang Wu
This study presents a rapid-curing methodology for fabricating high-performance hydrogels using a ternary copolymer system comprising 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), and N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA).
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Stereochemically purified trans-dihydroxy-substituted cage silsesquioxane-based bisurea supramolecular polymer materials enable metastable-to-thermodynamic phase evolution and enhanced modulus

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00164E, Paper

Jinshiro Takeuchi, Takahiro Iwamoto, Naoki Watanabe, Hiroaki Imoto, Kensuke Naka
Stereochemically purified trans-dihydroxy-substituted cage silsesquioxane-based bisurea supramolecular polymer materials exhibit an effective metastable-to-thermodynamic phase transition upon heating.
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Synthesis of well-defined and recyclable polyester from ring opening polymerization of 1,5-dioxepan-2-one catalyzed by Lewis acid-base pair

Polym. Chem., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01214G, Paper

Zheng Li, Kai Li, Chengde Hu, Zhibo Li
The ring opening polymerization (ROP) of 1,5-dioxepan-2-one (DXO) at mild conditions to give well-defined poly(1,5-dioxepan-2-one) (PDXO) remains a challenge. Herein, we reported the ROP of DXO at room temperature by...
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Correction: Determining the Q–e values of polymer radicals and monomers separately through the derivation of an intrinsic Q–e scheme for radical copolymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY90045C, Correction

Open Access

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Susumu Kawauchi, Akinori Akatsuka, Yoshihiro Hayashi, Hidemine Furuya, Toshikazu Takata
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Elucidating the Molecular Design Principles of N-Alkylated Nylons for LCST-Type Phase Separation through a Systematic Polymer Library

Polym. Chem., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00191B, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.

Akari Sugano, Keitaro Matsuoka, Kazuki Sada
Hydrophilic polymers showing LCST-type phase separation are useful functional polymer materials. In this study, we expanded the N-alkylated nylon library by varying the main-chain carbon numbers (p and q) and...
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Organo-catalyzed deamination of polystyrene sulfonamide for diverse post-polymerization modification of styrenic polymers

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01024A, Paper

Open Access

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Tulaja Shrestha, Dan My Nguyen, Harrison Goehrig, Vidhika S. Damani, Caitlin M. Quinn, Laure V. Kayser
Post-polymerization modification of polystyrene generates sulfinate intermediates that enable modular diversification to a wide range of functional groups.
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Synthesis of macro-rotaxanes via direct trapping of multicyclic poly(n-butyl acrylate) in a cross-linked network

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00144K, Paper

Open Access

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Kotaro Ibe, Yamato Ebii, Minami Ebe, Kazushige Suzuki, Takayuki Kurokawa, Takuya Yamamoto, Feng Li, Takuya Isono, Toshifumi Satoh
Macro-rotaxanes, in which both the linear and cyclic components are polymers, remain largely unexplored in terms of their formation and potential material applications due to the synthetic challenges associated with cyclic polymers.
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Degrafting reaction of polymer brushes: the determining role of molecular weight and grafting density

Polym. Chem., 2026, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01210D, Paper

Open Access

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Riccardo Chiarcos, Luca Gabutti, Elo Marsengo, Diego Antonioli, Michele Perego, Michele Laus
The chemical stability of polymer brushes is mandatory to ensure their applicability in a wide range of environments. However, it is well-known that, in presence of water, polymer chains detach...
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Palladium-catalyzed copolymerization to synthesize sulfur-containing polyethylene materials

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00180G, Paper

Chuncai Zhao, Yuming Xu, Guifu Si, Dan Peng, Menghe Xu
Sulfur-functionalized polyethylene materials were efficiently synthesized through phosphine–sulfonate palladium-catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene with norbornene-based sulfur-containing comonomers.
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Synthesis and structure–property relationships of lipoic acid-based conductive elastomers

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00075D, Paper

Feng Chen, Fangjun Zhu, Weikun Xu, Yanpei Fei
Crosslinked lipoic acid-based ionic conductive elastomers reveal how polymer network structure governs lithium salt compatibility and ionic transport.
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Double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysis: detailed in situ NMR kinetics studies on the copolymerization of propylene oxide with substituted epoxides

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00118A, Paper

Open Access

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Erik Kersten, Maximilian Kaiser, Jan Blankenburg, Kamil Maciol, Manfred Wagner, Sirus Zarbakhsh, Holger Frey
The DMC-catalyzed copolymerization of PO with alkyl and aryl epoxides, glycidyl ethers and esters was investigated by in situ ¹H NMR spectroscopy. With increasing steric demand at the oxirane ring, the reactivity difference to PO strongly increased.
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Development and modification of porous polymer structures in the vicinity of cellulose fibers

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01203A, Paper

Open Access

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Sebastian Pusse, Sebastian Heinz, Waranya Limprasart, Lea Gemmer, Suteera Witayakran, Samuel Schabel, Volker Presser, Torsten Gutmann, Markus Gallei
Linear and branched amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via anionic living polymerization to form porous structures on cellulose fibers. Surface properties were tuned at macro- and microscales via post-modification with different agents.
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Toward theta-shaped polymer composite particles by seeded emulsion polymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00196C, Paper

Zhongfu Ling, Xianhao Su, Yifeng Jiang, Hua Zou
Theta-shaped (θ-shaped) polystyrene–poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PS–PGMA) composite particles have been synthesized by seeded emulsion polymerization using PS seed particles pre-swollen with dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA).
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Epoxide-modulated ring-opening polymerization of β-butyrolactone

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1300-1307
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00078A, Paper

Jun Yang, Tie-Ying Zhang, Xiao-Bing Lu, Ye Liu
Epoxides were used to modulate the trimetallic-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of β-butyrolactone. This study establishes a new and efficient route to produce high-molecular-weight poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with tailored end-group functionality.
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A progressive photocuring approach: a macrocyclic photoinitiator enabling exceptional toughness in thick poly(TMPTA) coatings

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1308-1321
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00038J, Paper

Bole Chen, Xinyang Zhao, Yifan Liu, Xiangqi Xu, Luran Chun, Zhouju Zhong, Jun Nie, Jingfang Li
Achieving thick coatings (>200 μm) remains a significant challenge in the field of photopolymerization, primarily due to light attenuation.
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Polymer binders for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1241-1264
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01176K, Review Article

Huan Xue, Mengwei Huo, Xuewei Li, Jiaming Huang, Zejia Huang, Boyi Song, Wangqing Zhang
This review summarizes the conventional polymer binders for lithium-ion batteries and outlines the emerging design strategies of polymer binders for next-generation cathodes and anodes.
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Design of a thermally stable succinonitrile mechanophore featuring electron-withdrawing triazine rings for radical polymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1334-1341
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01088H, Paper

Open Access

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Hajime Sugita, Akira Kodaka, Akira Takahashi, Koichiro Mikami, Hideyuki Otsuka
A triazine-based succinonitrile mechanophore was designed using radical stabilization energy calculations and simulations. It shows high thermal stability and mechanochromism via C–C bond cleavage, enabling its use in radical polymerization.
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Nonconventional luminescent materials exhibiting water-insensitive and pH-sensitive properties for cell imaging and metal ion detection

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1322-1333
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01034A, Paper

Tiantian Miao, Huili Wei, Yudie Shan, Zixuan Sun, Dan Ning, Yinyin Zhu, Chanming Mei, Bingli Jiang, Xueyu Dou, Yongyang Gong
This work develops water-insensitive, pH-sensitive nonconventional luminescent materials, enabling high-sensitivity cell imaging and metal ion detection.
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Dynamic diselenide-mediated graphene composite networks: towards shape-reprogrammable and conductivity-stable flexible electronics

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1291-1299
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00008H, Paper

Zilong Yang, Di Wu, Wenbin Zhu, Caiyun Ren, Long Deng, Jianfeng Ban, Junqiu Liao, Dang Wu, Lulu Pan
Synergistic integration of dynamic diselenide chemistry and graphene networks enables a shape-reprogrammable and conductivity-stable composite for next-generation adaptive electronics.
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α-Diimine nickel-catalyzed propylene–diene copolymerization: towards a potential sulfur-crosslinked elastomeric alternative to EPDM

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1265-1277
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00021E, Paper

Fengbin Liu, Qi Gao, Wenpeng Zhao, Xiaohua Wang, Xuequan Zhang, Heng Liu
A sulfur-crosslinkable, elastomeric branched poly(propylene–diene) copolymer with well-regulated chain parameters was prepared using a new class of α-diimine nickel complexes, thereby serving as an alternative to traditional EPDM.
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Tunable silicone elastomers through PDMS ring network design and post-curing chemistry

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1278-1290
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01201E, Paper

Cristina Nedelcu, Frederikke Bahrt Madsen, Anne Ladegaard Skov
Interlocked PDMS ring networks formed via selective hydrosilylation yield highly extensible elastomers without cross-linkers. Retained internal CC bonds enable post-cure thiol-ene functionalization and tunable mechanical and dielectric properties.
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Investigating an anisole/Cu(II)-macroligand-complex pair to broaden solubility scope and catalyst recycling for atom transfer radical polymerization

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01106J, Paper

Richard Ngulube, Jiancheng Zhou, Huaiyuan Zhu, Zhiwei Fu, Naixu Li
A thermoregulated phase-separable catalysis based on a highly soluble poly(ionic liquid)/anisole solvent system enables controlled ATRP at ppm CuBr₂ loadings, thereby supporting a sustainable, recyclable polymerization framework.
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A novel approach to POx–chelate conjugates and a comparison of their antibacterial activity with POx systems containing amino groups

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01190F, Paper

Open Access

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Marcelina Bochenek, Barbara Mendrek, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Karolina Olszowska, Łukasz Sieroń, Katarzyna Gawron, Natalia Oleszko-Torbus
This study presents a novel synthetic strategy for the preparation of antibacterial poly(2-oxazoline)-based (POx) conjugates with chelating agents.
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Salinity-ultrasensitive hydrogels for high-performance salinity gradient energy conversion and harvesting

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00235H, Paper

Yang Yang, Xiaocao Yan, Mukaddas Abliz, Xiaoying Zhao, Fang Xu, Yunxuan Weng, Hainan Gao
This study presents a salinity-ultrasensitive hydrogel with a superior polyelectrolyte effect, enabling conversion of minor osmotic pressure gradients into substantial volumetric changes for highly efficient salinity gradient energy conversion.
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Investigation of the dynamic behavior of metallopolymers by combined experimental and theoretical methods

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00053C, Paper

Open Access

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Milena Jäger, Michael Freduah Agyemang, Wanja T. Schulze, Julian Kimmig, Thomas Bätz, Chiara Wondraczek, Stefan Zechel, Alexander Croy, Michael Schmitt, Jürgen Popp, Stefanie Gräfe, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
This report studies the dynamic behavior of metallopolymers, by rheology, Raman spectroscopy and modelling. The observed changes are related to thermal-induced morphological changes of the polymer matrix in addition to changes of the metal complex.
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Solubility-limited depolymerization kinetics in the glycolysis of carbonyl-containing polymers

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00219F, Paper

Open Access

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Shelby Watson-Sanders, Kendra Day Johnson, Sarah Barber, Alison Biery, Landri Wilcox, Nicholas J. Galan, Jackie Zheng, Tomonori Saito, Mark Dadmun
Solubility-controlled phase behavior dictates depolymerization kinetics in heterogeneous polymer chemical recycling.
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Solution self-assembly of polycarbonate block copolymers containing crystalline side chains

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00105J, Paper

Chen Liu, Lulu Liu, Jiarui Luan, Zaizai Tong
Solution self-assembly of block copolymers containing crystalline side chains is currently a field of significant interest due to its well-documented capacity for morphological diversity and tunable order.
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Enhancing the processability of polychlorotrifluoroethylene via copolymerization with perfluoropropyl vinyl ether

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00086J, Paper

Xincheng Wang, Shuhui Li, Daixuan Gong, Bin Du, Wei Zhao, Yanqiu Guo, Meijie Qu, Yuezhen Bin
A novel PCTFE-PPVE copolymer was successfully synthesized; PPVE incorporation reduces material crystallinity and melt viscosity, and the resulting copolymer shows enhanced processability.
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Direct synthesis of porous organic polymers with protected ethyne monomers

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00104A, Paper

Bo Chen, Xinghua Guo, Yongdong Jin, Chuanqin Xia, Degao Wang
A new synthetic method for alkynyl porous organic polymers using cheap protected ethyne as the monomer. This method was verified by a small molecular model reaction and 5 polymers.
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Ring-opening (co)polymerization of macrolactones catalyzed by a simple organoaluminum complex of MeAl(BHT)2

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00054A, Paper

Open Access

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Rui Han, Zheng Li, Zhibo Li
Degradable aliphatic long-chain polyesters (ALCPEs), obtained from the ROP of macrolactones, have emerged as promising degradable polymers, as they combine the mechanical and thermal properties of polyethylene with the degradability of polyesters.
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3-Methylenephthalide derivatives enable degradation of vinyl (co)polymers via simultaneous main- and side-chain cleavage

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00151C, Paper

Yota Chiba, Shoji Hirabayashi, Yasuhiro Kohsaka
We report degradable vinyl (co)polymers with tunable properties. This (co)polymer design enables convergent decomposition into a single monomer precursor via simultaneous hydrolysis of the main-chain and pendant groups.
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Ultrastrong and high-elongation degradable bio-based hyperbranched epoxy resins and carbon fiber composites

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1222-1232
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00076B, Paper

Xue Wang, Yu Wu, Sufang Chen, Zejun Xu, Yu Jiang, Xudong Chen, Daohong Zhang
Bio-based hyperbranched epoxy resins (BAFI-n) were synthesized by combining hyperbranched topological networks with rigid–flexible units. The BAFI-n/CF composites exhibited high strength, toughness, elongation at break, and recyclability.
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Covalent organic frameworks: synthesis, and biological and chemical sensing

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1141-1161
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY00896D, Review Article

Liangyu Dong, Leijing Liu, Wenjing Tian
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the common synthesis methods of COFs, including 2D and 3D COFs, and their applications in biosensing and chemical sensing.
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Synthesis of network polymers composed of well-defined silyl ether macrocycles

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1162-1166
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00035E, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.

Chihiro Nakai, Sota Amano, Koh Sugamata, Naoki Watanabe, Hiroaki Imoto, Kensuke Naka, Takahiro Iwamoto
We report a straightforward synthetic route to silyl ether-based network polymers, enabled by efficient macrocyclization of diols with dichlorosilacyclobutane (DCSB) followed by thermal ring-opening of the silacyclobutane units.
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A three-in-one lignin-derived intumescent flame retardant towards fire-safe and tough polypropylene

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1188-1199
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01124H, Paper

Hanyu Zhou, Ying Su, Hao Dong, Xuan Zhang, Xinyu Zhang, Wei Zeng
Polypropylene (PP) is highly flammable and suffers from severe melt dripping.
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Fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer ionic fluorogels for PFAS remediation from water

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1167-1176
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY00795J, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.

Irene M. Harmody, Haley P. Macdonald, Orlando Coronell, Frank A. Leibfarth
Reported are a new class of Ionic Fluorogels (IFs) that leverage perfectly alternating copolymers to build a fluorous anion exchange resin. The synergistic combination of fluorophilic matrix with cationic charge resulted in high PFAS sorption.
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Synergistic regulation of the thermal–optical properties of polyimides via amide bonds and trifluoromethyl groups: from molecular design to flexible CNT TFT application

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1200-1209
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01051A, Paper

Jie Liu, Li Xiang, Jiang Xu, Qian Jiang, Jiahao Deng, Jin Wang, Jun Yang, Anlian Pan
A novel amide- and trifluoromethyl-containing monomer was synthesized to prepare colorless, high-temperature-resistant polyimide (PI). This PI serves as a substrate for high-performance carbon nanotube thin-film transistors.
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Micro-branched crosslinked photosensitive polyimides (PSPIs): optimizing dielectric, thermal, and lithographic performance

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1210-1221
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01217A, Paper

Xinhao Nie, Daliao Tao, Zhuo Wang, Sanchuan Qiao, Lijun Xiao, Yuhong Chen, Haoyuan Li, Xiaojun Peng, Jianhua Zhang
Photosensitive polyimides (PSPIs) are critical for advanced packaging but face limitations due to their dielectric performance and lithographic resolution.
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A Bayesian approach providing design choices and chemical insight for solution-processed thermoelectric polymers

Polym. Chem., 2026, 17,1177-1187
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01172H, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.

Connor Ganley, Yuqi Feng, Himadri Shekhar Karmakar, Howard E. Katz, Paulette Clancy
Physics-informed Bayesian optimization reveals insights into solution-processed planar conjugated semiconducting polymer design.
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Preparation and characterization of low dielectric cross-linked polyimide containing fluorene group via post-polymerization cross-linking

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00003G, Paper

Seong Hun Choi, Seonyoung Jo, Minki Choi, Jaeyoung Choi, Yun Ho Kim, Jongmin Park, Jong Chan Won
Post-polymerization cross-linking to produce a free-volume developed aromatic polyimide matrix with advanced low dielectric performance and robust structural integrity.
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A bio-based cellulose-supported photocatalyst enabling reversible complexation-mediated polymerization via energy transfer under white LED irradiation

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01228G, Paper

Huirong Li, Chen Zhou, Rui Zhao, Shumin Chen, Danni Tang, Longqiang Xiao, Linxi Hou
Heterogeneous photocatalytic polymerization has emerged as a promising strategy for developing greener reversible complexation-mediated polymerization (RCMP) systems.
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Self-assembly of condensation homopolymers: with application in fractionation

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D5PY01141H, Paper

Tielei Li, Kaini Yang, Baochen Wang, Yachun Su, Zhengqing Kong, Sanyang Li, Jin Zhu
The self-assembly of condensation homopolymers is reported, presenting a distinct alternative to the conventional regime and showcasing their intriguing self-assembly into primary micelle and compound micelle constructs.
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Lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes by transurethanisation: catalyst selection towards covalent adaptable networks

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00044D, Paper

Open Access

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.

Aline Rebejac, Nathan Wybo, Luc Avérous, Antoine Duval
Lignin-based NIPUs synthesized by transurethanisation form covalent adaptable networks where catalysts can enhance recyclability by limiting side reactions during reprocessing.
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Exploring thiol–ene and thiol–methacrylate reactions in the production of renewable materials from methacrylated eugenol

Polym. Chem., 2026, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D6PY00140H, Paper

Gabriel Iago dos Santos, Caroline Gaglieri, Fernanda Barreto dos Santos, Sabrina Moises Moreno, Gilbert Bannach
Methacrylated eugenol (ME) is a versatile biobased monomer for sustainable polymer networks, featuring reactive methacrylic and allylic carbon-carbon double bonds that enable both thiol-ene and thiol-methacrylate polymerization pathways.
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