polymers

An AI-generated image depicting the intricacies of nanotechnology with clear and spherical molecules.

Nov 13, 2024

Creating a brand-new class of materials

NC State researchers have created a new class of materials called “glassy gels” that possess properties that could make them an alternative to certain plastics commonly used in today’s products.

gloved hands are stretching a thin sheet of clear material over a nail; the material is stretching over the sharp nail without breaking

Jun 20, 2024

Researchers create new class of materials called ‘glassy gels’

Glassy gels are extremely hard, but not brittle – they can stretch up to five times their original length.

An illustration of the self-sustaining, circular system of "microcleaners." The soft dendricolloids (orange) are functionalized with peptides that bind to the colored microplastic pieces. These microplastics are then consumed by engineered microbes (green) to be used as fuel or to be made into more microcleaners.

Jun 6, 2023

Reduce, reuse, recycle

NC State University researchers are studying the fundamental science behind how to address plastic waste.

Latex-gloved hands holding a clear hydrogel.

Oct 28, 2021

Using liquid metal to turn motion into electricity — even underwater

NC State researchers have created a soft and stretchable device that converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.