Macromolecular Rapid Communications 

About: Macromolecular Rapid Communications is an academic journal published by Wiley. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Polymerization & Polymer. It has an ISSN identifier of 1022-1336. Over the lifetime, 7306 publications have been published receiving 248410 citations. The journal is also known as: MRC.

‘Click’ Chemistry in Polymer and Materials Science

Abstract: The modification of polymers after the successful achievement of a polymerization process represents an important task in macromolecular science. Cycloaddition reactions, among them the metal catalyzed azide/alkyne ‘click’ reaction (a variation of the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between terminal acetylenes and azides) represents an important contribution towards this endeavor. They combine high efficiency (usually above 95%) with a high tolerance of functional groups and solvents, as well as moderate reaction temperatures (25–70 °C). The present review assembles recent literature for applications of this reaction in the field of polymer science (linear polymers, dendrimers, gels) as well as the use of this and related reactions for surface modification on carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and on solid substrates, and includes the authors own publications in this field. A number of references (>100) are included.

Biodegradable polyesters for medical and ecological applications

Abstract: Numerous biodegradable polymers have been developed in the last two decades. In terms of application, biodegradable polymers are classified into three groups: medical, ecological, and dual application, while in terms of origin they are divided into two groups: natural and synthetic. This review article will outline classification, requirements, applications, physical properties, biodegradability, and degradation mechanisms of representative biodegradable polymers that have already been commercialized or are under investigation. Among the biodegradable polymers, recent developments of aliphatic polyesters, especially polylactides and poly(lactic acid)s, will be mainly described in the last part.

Self-Assembled Block Copolymer Aggregates: From Micelles to Vesicles and their Biological Applications.

Abstract: The ability of amphiphilic block copolymers to self-assemble in selective solvents has been widely studied in academia and utilized for various commercial products. The self-assembled polymer vesicle is at the forefront of this nanotechnological revolution with seemingly endless possible uses, ranging from biomedical to nanometer-scale enzymatic reactors. This review is focused on the inherent advantages in using polymer vesicles over their small molecule lipid counterparts and the potential applications in biology for both drug delivery and synthetic cellular reactors.

Advances in dielectric elastomers for actuators and artificial muscles.

Abstract: A number of materials have been explored for their use as artificial muscles Among these, dielectric elastomers (DEs) appear to provide the best combination of properties for true muscle-like actuation DEs behave as compliant capacitors, expanding in area and shrinking in thickness when a voltage is applied Materials combining very high energy densities, strains, and efficiencies have been known for some time To date, however, the widespread adoption of DEs has been hindered by premature breakdown and the requirement for high voltages and bulky support frames Recent advances seem poised to remove these restrictions and allow for the production of highly reliable, high-performance transducers for artificial muscle applications

Ultrathin polymer coatings by complexation of polyelectrolytes at interfaces: suitable materials, structure and properties

Abstract: The article presents the state-of-the-art of alternating physisorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, the so-called "layer-by-layer" method or "electrostatic self-assembly" (ESA), for the preparation of thin polymer coatings. In comparison to other, more established self-organization techniques, this recent method is distinguished by its simplicity, versatility, and speed. In particular, the tendency for self-healing is unique. Emphasis is given to the role of the molecular structure of the polyelectrolytes, and to the nature of the support. Also, various parameters for the preparation of multilayer films are highlighted, which are very important due to the kinetic control of the build-up process. The structure of the resulting coatings, their quality and stability, chemical reactions in the films, and potential applications are discussed.