Scaling laws to predict humidity-induced swelling and stiffness in hydrogels

We use semi-dilute polymer theory to develop a simple power-law relationship between hydrogel elastic modulus and swelling, allowing us to predict hydrogel stiffness or swelling at arbitrary relative humidities.

Top Cited 2018–2019 Papers in the Section “Polymer Theory and Simulation”

This editorial deals with the most cited papers published in the years 2018–2019 in the section “Polymer Theory and Simulation” of the journal Polymers [...]

Polymer principles behind solubilizing lignin with organic cosolvents for bioenergy

Polymer theory, developed for simple homopolymers, is applicable to the interaction of lignin with aprotic organic pretreatment solvents.

Developments in Polymer Theory and Simulation

Polymer theory and simulation are topics that are still growing (Figure 1), highlighting the need for an understanding of microscopic mechanisms influencing material properties of systems containing macromolecules [...]