Tim Bowden

In this report, we present a course development initiative designed to revise a second-year university course in polymer chemistry, embedding the learning and application of systems thinking skills within the scope of an existing syllabus and the practical limitations for implementation. The revisions were conducted along three major ideas: (1) reframing content by asking questions central to polymer chemistry rather than using traditional topic divisions; (2) promoting chemistry learning as the primary focus, supported by systems thinking; and (3) employing the propagation paradigm for educational development through collaboration between disciplinary and educational specialists. By incorporating student-active pre-class preparations through scaffolded reading and curated digital material, traditional “transmissive” lecture time was reduced, while in-class interactions were increased. Other elements of the revision included a case-based seminar employing the jigsaw discussion format and revision of laboratory exercises to include aspects of degradation and recycling. Examples of teaching material, student reflections, as well as lessons learnt along the way are presented and discussed, including practical suggestions and advice. This report provides an example of how reframing and refocusing course content could be used to integrate systems thinking into an existing syllabus without requiring a complete overhaul, while also working towards promoting student engagement and interaction.

ABA-type block copolymers (BCPs) of poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-trimethylene ether) (PTMC-co-PTME) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization. The BCP was blended with varying concentrations from 10 to 30 wt % lithium bis(trifluoro methylsulfonate) (LiTFSI) to form solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to study the ionic conductivity of the SPEs in the temperature interval from 30 to 150 °C. Simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering were used to study the kinetics of crystallization, together with the phase behavior of those BCPs. It was found that PLLA-b-PTMC-co-PTME-b-PLLA exhibits hierarchical organization at the micro- and nanoscale. More specifically, ABA BCP formed spherulitic superstructures, composed of alternating layers of primarily α^′-form crystalline PLLA and amorphous regions. Interestingly, the amorphous phase consisted of phase-separated nanodomains of PLLA, embedded in the PTMC-co-PTME matrix. The investigation into the interplay between crystallization and phase separation via time-resolved scattering methods revealed that the crystallization of PLLA is the driving force for self-assembly at two distinct scales. The microstructure was similar, independent of the salt content; however, elevated doping of LiTFSI slowed the crystallization rate of PLLA and affected the crystalline phase composition. The presence of a crystalline phase slightly lowers the observed ionic conductivity. The best-performing electrolyte, with 20 wt % of LiTFSI, showed a conductivity of 1.2 × 10^–6 S cm^–1 at 60 °C.

The use of DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate) is now banned for most applications in Europe; the exception is for blood bags, where its toxicity is overshadowed by its ability to extend the storage life of red blood cells.

In this paper, we present the synthesis of poly(β‐amino ester)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) from off‐stoichiometric acrylate‐amine formulations using one‐step, catalyst and solvent free aza‐Michael addition. By varying the monomers, the pendant functionality of the polymer chain structure could be altered. All synthesized polymers yield freestanding and easy to handle electrolyte films and hence are evaluated as a new class of SPEs. The SPE with 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate and propylamine showed the highest conductivity of 1.15 × 10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ at 30°C with 10 wt% lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. Because of the presence of the various functional groups in the structure, the polymer chain aids in the movement of both the anion and the cation.

Background: During the past few decades, drug delivery system (DDS) has attracted many interests because it could enhance the therapeutic effects of drugs and reduce their side effects. The advent of nanotechnology has promoted the development of nanosized DDSs, which could promote drug cellular uptake as well as prolong the half-life in blood circulation. Novel polymer micelles formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers in aqueous solution have emerged as meaningful nanosystems for controlled drug release due to the reversible destabilization of hydrophobic domains under different conditions. Results: The amphiphilic polymers presented here were composed of cholesterol groups end capped and poly (poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (poly (OEGMA)) as tailed segments by the synthesis of cholesterol-based initiator, followed by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with OEGMA monomer. FT-IR and NMR confirmed the successfully synthesis of products including initiator and polymers as well as the Mw of the polymers were from 33,233 to 89,088 g/mol and their corresponding PDI were from 1.25 to 1.55 by GPC. The average diameter of assembled polymer micelles was in hundreds nanometers demonstrated by DLS, AFM and SEM. The behavior of the amphiphilic polymers as micelles was investigated using pyrene probing to explore their critical micelle concentration (CMC) ranging from 2.53 × 10⁻⁴ to 4.33 × 10⁻⁴ mg/ml, decided by the balance between cholesterol and poly (OEGMA). Besides, the CMC of amphiphilic polymers, the quercetin (QC) feeding ratio and polarity of solvents determined the QC loading ratio maximized reaching 29.2% certified by UV spectrum, together with the corresponding size and stability changes by DLS and Zeta potential, and thermodynamic changes by TGA and DSC. More significantly, cholesterol end-capped polymer micelles were used as nanosized systems for controlled drug release, not only alleviated the cytotoxicity of QC from 8.6 to 49.9% live cells and also achieved the QC release in control under different conditions, such as the presence of cyclodextrin (CD) and change of pH in aqueous solution. Conclusions: The results observed in this study offered a strong foundation for the design of favorable polymer micelles as nanosized systems for controlled drug release, and the molecular weight adjustable amphiphilic polymer micelles held potential for use as controlled drug release system in practical application.