Remodeling matter By studying matter’s atomic architecture, scientists uncover novel properties. A material that can be reshaped when hot, a new propulsion system for micro-objects, and molecules that change shape are just some of these exciting finds. Novel material can be reshaped when hot, like glass ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One thing sailboards, aircraft and electronic circuits have in common is that they contain resins used for their lightness and resistance. However, once hardened, they cannot be reshaped. Now, a French research team has designed the first organic compound that can change from a solid to a liquid state and vice versa, just like glass. This breakthrough ushers in a new class of materials called vitrimers—organic networks which, when hot, can be reorganized without changing the number of bonds between atoms. They can be reshaped and recycled like glass, while keeping the lightness, insolubility and shock-resistance of organic resins and rubbers. Inexpensive and easy to manufacture, the new material could find uses in a wide range of industrial applications, especially in the automotive, aviation and building industries, as well as in electronics and recreational activities. Science November 2011 Vitrimers, a novel organic material, can take on complex shapes without the use of molds, simply by local heating. Self-constructing films imitate Nature Self-assembly processes are a challenge for the development of novel materials. Taking their inspiration from biological tissue Taming methane growth, researchers have developed a new synthetic strategy While methane (CH ) is a simple, common molecule, getting it to that allows the self-construction of films in one stage, on the 4 react under mild conditions is a real challenge, due to the strength surface of an electrode. Until now, synthetic self-assembled of its carbon-hydrogen bonds. However, the development of a new structures were principally formed in solution. The discovery catalyst has enabled researchers from France and Spain to convert it could pave the way for applications in the field of biochip into an ester (ethyl propanoate) by reacting it with diazocarbene at a functionalization. moderate temperature (40°C). This remarkable achievement shows how a highly unreactive molecule can henceforth be turned into a Angewandte Chemie International Edition April 2011 useful chemical substance. Science May 2011 32 A year at CNRS 2011
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