Interplay of topology and reversible associations in multi-responsive macromolecular networks
(2026) Nature Reviews Physics — (2026)
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- Authors
Vlassopoulos, Dimitris 
- Abstract
- Macromolecular networks have been central to the evolution of polymers as versatile materials with applications from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry to packaging and biotechnology. The main scientific challenge is to develop design criteria for fabricating networks with desired performance. To this end, it is crucial to relate the molecular behaviour of components to the macroscopic properties of the network. At the same time, the advances in macromolecular chemistry offer molecular insights that enhance our ability to tailor their properties, for example, by combining reversible bonds with macromolecular architecture. To meet the ambitious goal of molecular design, it is important to organize the current knowledge, understand the key physical concepts governing the response of different classes of networks and unify the underlying principles, as well as open challenges and perspectives. Here we focus on the rheology of networks based on physical (reversible) associations, in the melt state, and offer a concise view of the state-of-the-art along with the current directions and perspectives in this field.
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Citations
Van Ruymbeke, E., & Vlassopoulos, D. (2026). Interplay of topology and reversible associations in multi-responsive macromolecular networks. Nature Reviews Physics. Published. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-026-00981-2 (Original work published 2026)