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Micrometer-scale poly(ethylene glycol) with enhanced mechanical performance

Author

Listed:
  • Letian Zheng

    (Zhejiang University
    Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Heyi Liang

    (University of Chicago)

  • Jin Tang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Qiang Zheng

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Fang Chen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Lian Wang

    (Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Qi Li

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Strong and lightweight materials are highly desired. Here we report the emergence of a compressive strength exceeding 2 GPa in a directly printed poly(ethylene glycol) micropillar. This strong and highly crosslinked micropillar is not brittle, instead, it behaves like rubber under compression. Experimental results show that the micropillar sustains a strain approaching 70%, absorbs energy up to 310 MJ/m3, and displays an almost 100% recovery after cyclic loading. Simple micro-lattices (e.g., honeycombs) of poly(ethylene glycol) also display high strength at low structural densities. By combining a series of control experiments, computational simulations and in situ characterization, we find that the key to achieving such mechanical performance lies in the fabrication of a highly homogeneous structure with suppressed defect formation. Our discovery unveils a generalizable approach for achieving a performance leap in polymeric materials and provides a complementary approach to enhance the mechanical performance of low-density latticed structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Letian Zheng & Heyi Liang & Jin Tang & Qiang Zheng & Fang Chen & Lian Wang & Qi Li, 2025. "Micrometer-scale poly(ethylene glycol) with enhanced mechanical performance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59742-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59742-x
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