A team from the Kalow and Olvera de la Cruz labs establish rheological isotope effects (RIEs) as a new tool for studying dynamic covalent exchange in bulk networks. RIEs present new opportunities to study mechanisms of exchange in bulk networks, deconvolute modes of stress relaxation in complex CANs, and provide insight into the impact of defects on viscoelasticity. Article Link

Shixuan has successfully defended his thesis, "Visible-Light-Activated Photopolymerization and Dynamic Covalent Chemistry for Adaptive Materials". Congratulations Dr. Wei!

The GRFP provides stipend and tuition support for a three-year period to individuals who have demonstrated their potent Congratulations Jolly!

Grace has successfully defended her thesis, "Network Toughening Strategies: Interplay of Mechanophore Reactivity, Polymer Chemistry and Network Topology". Congratulations Dr. Yao!

MONET hosted an industry career with our trainees and industrial partners. Topics covered include: What does it take to bridge academic research and real-world impact? How are technical skills in academia translated into a rewarding industry career? What was the most significant change in the way you do research (academia vs. industry)? What was (or was not) effective in your job search process? How to maintain professional network connections beyond the initial meeting? How do you anticipate AI changing the field? How has your work-life balance changed from academia to industry?

Zhuohong has successfully defended his thesis, "Optimizing Stability of Plant Virus-Based Nanoparticles for Applications in Agriculture and Material Advances". Congratulations Dr. Wu!

Abe has successfully defended his thesis, "Junctions and Strands: Breaking Property Tradeoffs in Polymer Networks and Composite Polymer Electrolytes". Congratulations Dr. Herzog-Arbeitman!

Craig and Rubinstein discuss how reducing the crosslink density in highly entangled natural rubber increases its crack resistance and prolongs its useful life. Article Link

The MONET team traveled to Durham, NC for the Year 4 Annual meeting and sponsor review. Over three days we presented the work accomplished so far and discussed ideas for the future. These are invaluable opportunities for face to face interactions and lead to great new collaborations!

This award recognizes outstanding early career investigators conducting research in any area of fundamental polymer or biopolymer science. Professor Kalow will be honored during an award symposium at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington, D.C. from August 17-21. Congratulations Julia!

A team from the Gong and Rubinstein labs report demonstrate how weak bonds can be leveraged to achieve self-strengthening in polymer network materials. These weak sacrificial bonds trigger mechanochemical reactions, forming new networks rapidly enough to reinforce the material during deformation and significantly improve crack resistance. Article Link

A team from the Klausen , Nelson , Kulik , and Craig labs report a novel chemical design for accelerated mechanochemical bond scission based on replacing a single carbon atom in a crosslinker with a silicon atom. They show seamless incorporation of these scissile carbosilanes to toughen 3D-printed networks, which demonstrates their suitability for additive manufacturing processes. Article Link