The development of flexible, wearable electronic devices is one of the future directions of technology development. Flexible conductive materials are important supporting materials for wearable electronic devices. Polymer has excellent flexibility; it is an important way to prepare flexible conductors from polymer-based conductive composites. In this paper, the research progress of polymer-based flexible conductive composites is summarized in terms of preparation and characterization methods. The key factors to realize flexible conductors are put forward, namely, the maintenance of excellent polymer elasticity and the realization of stability. The design and preparation of the extensible conductor with high-elasticity matrix and nanofiller are introduced in detail, and the problems in the current research are summarized.

A metakaolin-based geopolymer was fabricated with 5 ratios of two different nanomaterials. On the one hand, silicon carbide nanowhiskers and, on the other hand, titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Both were placed in water and received ultrasonic energy to be dispersed. The effects on mechanical properties and reaction kinetics were analyzed. Compared to the reference matrix, the results showed a tendency to increase the flexural strength. Probably due to the geometry of the SiC nanowhiskers and the pore refinement by the nano-TiO₂ particles. The calorimetry curves showed that incorporating TiO₂ nanoparticles resulted in a 92% reduction in total heat, while SiC nanowhiskers produced a 25% reduction in total heat.

Research into electro-conductive textiles based on conductive polymers like polypyrrole has increased in recent years due to their high potential applications in various fields. Conductive polymers behave like insulators in their neutral states, with typical electrical conductivity in the range 10^–10 to 10^–25 Scm^–1. These neutral polymers can be converted into semi-conductive or conductive states with conductivities ranging from 1 Scm^–1 to 10^–4 Scm^–1 through chemical or electro-chemical redox reactions. By applying these polymers to a textile surface, we can obtain novel composites that are strong, flexible, lightweight, and highly electroconductive. These textile composites are suitable for applications such as heating pads, sensors, corrosion-protecting materials, actuators, electrochromic devices, EMI shielding, etc. The methods of application of conductive polymers onto the textile surface, such as in-situ chemical, in-situ electrochemical, in-situ vapor phase, in-situ polymerization in a supercritical fluid, and solution coating processes, are described here briefly. The merits and demerits of these methods are mentioned here. The reaction mechanisms of chemical and electrochemical polymerization proposed by the different researchers are described. Different factors affecting the kinetics of chemical and electrochemical polymerization are accounted for. The influence of textile materials on the kinetics of chemical polymerization is reviewed and reported.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising technological approach for various applications in the biomedical field. Natural polymers, which comprise the majority of 3D printable “bioinks”, have played a crucial role in various 3D bioprinting technologies during the layered 3D manufacturing processes in the last decade. However, the polymers must be customized for printing and effector function needs in cancer, dental care, oral medicine and biosensors, cardiovascular disease, and muscle restoration. This review provides an overview of 3D bio-printed natural polymers—commonly employed in various medical fields—and their recent development.

In the present work, a series of butyl methacrylate/1-hexene copolymers were synthesized, and their efficiency as viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and shear stabilizers of lube oil was investigated. The effect of 1-hexene molar ratio, type, and concentration of Lewis acids on the incorporation of 1-hexene into the copolymer backbone was investigated. The successful synthesis of the copolymers was confirmed through FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results obtained from quantitative 1H NMR and GPC revealed that an increase in the molar ratio of 1-hexene to butyl methacrylate, along with concentration of Lewis acids led to an increase in 1-hexene incorporation and a reduction in Mn and Ð. Similar trends were observed when the Lewis acid changed from AlCl₃ to organometallic acids. The maximum 1-hexene incorporation (26.4%) was achieved for sample BHY3, with a [1-hexene/BMA] ratio of 4 mol% and a [Yb(OTf)₃/BMA] ratio of 2.5 mol%. Evaluation of the synthesized copolymers as lube oil additives demonstrated that the viscosity index was more significantly influenced by samples with higher molecular weight. Sample BHA13 represents maximum VI of 137. The copolymer containing Yb(OTf)₃ as a catalyst exhibited superior efficiency as a pour point depressant. Furthermore, sample BHY3 showed the lowest shear stability index (6.4).

The history of organic polymers is a remarkable journey from the discovery of natural materials like rubber and silk to the development of sophisticated synthetic polymers that have transformed industries and modern life. This comprehensive review article presents a detailed account of the evolution of organic polymers. It begins with the early uses of natural polymers and explores key breakthroughs, including the invention of Bakelite, nylon, and neoprene. The theoretical foundations of polymer science, laid by Hermann Staudinger, are discussed, and the post-war surge in polymer development is examined, including the introduction of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. Notable advances in polymer chemistry, such as isotactic polypropylene and silicone polymers, are highlighted. The article also delves into the development of high-performance polymers like Kevlar and carbon-based materials, offering insights into their applications. Moreover, it discusses the current trends in polymer science, emphasizing sustainability and biodegradability. As the world continues to rely on polymers for numerous applications, this review provides a historical perspective and a glimpse into the future of organic polymers, where innovations are expected to shape various aspects of technology, healthcare, and environmental protection.