Chemical Engineering

Mega macromolecules as single molecule lubricants for hard and soft surfaces

P. Anilkumar, T. B. Lawson, et al.

Discover the breakthrough in dendritic polymer synthesis with mega hyperbranched polyglycerols (mega HPGs) that revolutionize lubrication by acting as nanometer-scale ball bearings. Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School, this study showcases the potential of mega HPGs in polymer design and application.

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Abstract

This paper reports the gram-scale synthesis of dendritic polymers, mega hyperbranched polyglycerols (mega HPGs), in million daltons. Mega HPGs are highly water-soluble, soft, nanometer-scale single polymer particles that act as single molecule ball bearings, reducing friction between hard and soft surfaces in a size-dependent manner. This lubrication is attributed to their globular nature and exceptional hydration. The findings open new avenues in mega-polymer design and application.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

May 01, 2020

Authors

Parambath Anilkumar, Taylor B. Lawson, Srinivas Abbina, Janne T. A. Mäkelä, Robert C. Sabatelle, Lily E. Takeuchi, Brian D. Snyder, Mark W. Grinstaff, Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu

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