Mechanical properties articles from across Nature Portfolio

Recyclable alternatives to polyethylene plastics — that do not sacrifice its valuable properties — are highly desirable. Now, an earth-abundant manganese catalyst has transformed plant-based alcohols into polyethylene mimics that combine versatile performances with complete recyclability.

Hydrogen affects dislocation motion in BCC metals in different ways. Using in-situ SEM and simulations, the authors observe a two-step process: hydrogen first moves dislocations, then pins them as it builds up, explaining previously conflicting results.

The amplification of molecular motion along length scales for macroscopic muscle-like functions provides attractive opportunities ranging from soft actuators to responsive biomedical materials. Here, the authors design a photoswitch amphiphile based on an overcrowded alkene-derived core and develop supramolecular polymer-based artificial muscles.

Inspired by the entangled structure of double-network hydrogels, the authors integrate stiff truss and compliant woven components into metamaterial architectures to realize simultaneous high stiffness and high stretchability.

Recyclable alternatives to polyethylene plastics — that do not sacrifice its valuable properties — are highly desirable. Now, an earth-abundant manganese catalyst has transformed plant-based alcohols into polyethylene mimics that combine versatile performances with complete recyclability.

An article in Communications Materials introduces a modular assembly approach to scale up pyrolytic carbon lattice structures while retaining their strength and ductility.

A one-dimensional nanotubes-on-two-dimensional hierarchical nanofilm self-organized by the capillary effect within the nanopore and the interfacial polymerization reaction allows rapid aqueous nanofiltration.

An article in Nature Communications uses mechanophores to visualize shockwaves, induced by high-velocity impacts, in a block copolymer.

Supramolecular peptide complexes with interlocking heterochiral linkers showcase a route for self-assembled nanostructures with exceptional mechanical stability.