Chromogenic polymers, which exhibit changes in color in response to external stimuli such as light, heat, mechanical deformation or electric fields, are at the cutting edge of smart material technology.
Polymer nanocomposites are materials that combine the advantageous properties of polymers with the exceptional characteristics of nanoscale fillers. These composites are designed to improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of traditional polymers, making them suitable for a wide range of high-performance applications.
The transition to renewable energy sources is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and, thanks to their versatility, polymers play a crucial role in advancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy conversion and storage devices.
Organic electronics, which utilize either polymeric materials and small molecules to fabricate functional electronic devices and sensors, offer a different set of possibilities over their traditional inorganic counterparts, including flexibility, lightweight, and access to solution-based fabrication protocols.
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the way devices and manufacts are designed and produced, allowing for the creation of complex structures with a broad range of properties and taking advantage of the functionalities of innovative smart materials.