Macromolecular Materials

Macromolecular materials encompass a vast and versatile class of substances in which large polymeric architectures impart tailored combinations of mechanical strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance and functionality. From linear thermoplastics to cross-linked networks, block copolymers and hybrid composites, control over monomer selection, polymerisation mechanism and molecular architecture enables precise manipulation of crystallinity, phase morphology and interfacial interactions. Such materials find roles in structural components, lightweight foams, barrier films, tissue-engineering scaffolds, energy-storage media and adaptive photonic systems. Critical advances hinge on the integration of high-performance macromolecules—such as ladder polymers, thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters and hierarchically porous networks—with fabrication methods ranging from emulsion templating and reactive extrusion to additive manufacturing. By harnessing interchain bonding, nanoscale phase separation and functional fillers, researchers continue to expand the operational envelope of macromolecular materials, delivering sustainable, high-value solutions across transportation, healthcare, electronics and environmental technologies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A polyester-based high internal phase emulsion scaffold has been engineered to achieve approximately 85 % porosity with primary pore sizes of 50–170 µm and high interconnectivity. Human articular chondrocytes seeded on these scaffolds infiltrate to depths of 300 µm, forming neocartilage with a favourable collagen II/I ratio and mechanical properties comparable to native tissue. Biodegradation rates have been matched to matrix deposition, underscoring translational potential in cartilage repair.

Thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester fibres, synthesised by melt polymerisation of diethoxy terephthalic acid, hydroquinone and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, exhibit nematic mesophases that are retained during capillary-rheometry spinning. Systematic annealing at 230 °C for nine hours yields well-developed nanofibrillar skin regions with diameters of 60–110 nm and enhanced thermo-mechanical performance. The pronounced skin–core microstructure points to precise heat-treatment control as a route to high-performance polymer fibres.

Research from all publishers

Hierarchically porous carbon lattices have been fabricated by combining vat photopolymerisation of high internal phase emulsions with subsequent pyrolysis at up to 800 °C. Three-dimensional lattices with dual-scale porosity (10 µm and 100 µm) emerge after controlled shrinkage, yielding interconnected carboHIPE structures with high surface areas and tunable pore distributions. Such architectures demonstrate promise as supercapacitor electrodes and catalytic supports.

A traceless oxalate chain extender has enabled catalyst-free synthesis of high molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate), as well as their isosorbide-containing copolyesters. Reactive coupling under mild conditions restores molecular weight without residual additives or metal catalysts, obviating solid-state polymerisation and offering a streamlined route to fully sustainable polyesters with excellent thermal properties.

Macromolecular Materials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in macromolecular materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

High internal phase emulsion (HIPE): A concentrated emulsion whose dispersed‐phase volume exceeds 74 %, template for forming highly porous polymer networks.

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP): A polymer that self‐organises into ordered mesophases on heating above a melting point but below isotropisation.

Photopolymerisation: Free‐radical or cationic curing of a liquid monomer or oligomer under light, used in vat photopolymerisation for additive manufacturing.

Reactive extrusion: Continuous processing in which polymer melt blends undergo in situ chemical reactions (e.g., chain extension) within an extruder.

Chain extender: A low molecular‐weight reagent that reacts with polymer chain ends to rebuild or increase molecular weight, restoring material properties.

Hierarchically porous carbon (carboHIPE): Carbon structure derived from pyrolysis of polymerised HIPE, featuring interconnected pores at multiple scales for energy and catalysis.

References

1. Polyester type polyHIPE scaffolds with an interconnected porous structure for cartilage regeneration. Scientific Reports (2016).
2. Thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester fibers according to various heat treatment conditions. Scientific Reports (2021).
3. Fabrication of hierarchically porous carbon lattices derived from 3D-Printed polymerized high internal phase emulsions. Carbon (2025).
4. Catalyst free PET and PEF polyesters using a new traceless oxalate chain extender. Green Chemistry (2024).