Microplastic particles (MPPs) are increasingly detected throughout the human body, yet their effects on tissue mechanics remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the impact of MPP loading on the mechanical properties of a gelatin–transglutaminase hydrogel network as a model of biological tissue. Compared to neat gels, bulk rheology showed a 30% increase in the storage modulus at 0.1% w/v MPP loading and tan δ rose by 400% at 1% w/v MPP loading. However, nanoindentation with cellular‐scale spatial resolution detected progressive local stiffening beginning at the lowest tested concentration of 0.001% w/v. We examined whether mechanically altered regions surrounding embedded particles could contribute to an enlarged effective filler volume by measuring the extent of the mechanically altered region surrounding individual particles, revealing a shell of elevated stiffness around included plastic beads. This thickness scaled inversely with the square of the network stiffness. Accounting for particles and shells together as enlarged effective fillers improved agreement between Guth–Gold predictions and experimental bulk rheology results. These findings demonstrate that spatially resolved mechanical measurements can detect microplastic inclusions below the detection threshold of bulk rheology, highlighting the importance of multiscale characterization when evaluating microplastic contamination.
Energy shortage and water scarcity are global challenges, and integrating thermal energy storage with seawater desalination is an effective approach to address these issues. In this study, a phase‐change thermal management film (PGPF) with excellent photothermal conversion capability was fabricated via a blending and doping process, combining double‐network phase‐change microgels (PSP), graphene oxide (GO), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Inspired by the bioinspired flexible and strong adhesion mechanism of octopus tentacles, PSP was prepared and uniformly “welded” within the material through hydrogen bonding among PSP, GO, and PVA, forming a multinetwork structure. This design significantly enhances the mechanical properties of PGPF in saline environments (up to 130 MPa) and its self‐healing ability, extending its service life during seawater desalination. PGPF efficiently converts solar energy into heat, exhibiting high photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling rapid temperature rise to high levels, and achieving efficient thermal evaporation. Under xenon lamp illumination simulating sunlight, the PGPF temperature quickly reaches 162 °C, demonstrating excellent photothermal performance, with an evaporation rate as high as 3.18 kg·m −2 ·h −1 . The material’s outstanding phase‐change behavior and thermal stability indicate its promising potential for solar‐driven seawater desalination applications.
Low‐melting‐point alloys (LMPAs) have attracted increasing attention for a broad range of emerging applications due to their excellent and unique functional properties. Recently, introducing high‐entropy alloy (HEA) design concepts into LMPA systems has led to the emergence of low‐melting‐point compositionally complex alloys (LMCCAs), which significantly expand the compositional design space of conventional LMPAs. In this review, we summarize the fundamental characteristics and technological importance of traditional LMPAs and discuss how HEA‐inspired design strategies provide new opportunities for tuning their microstructure and functional performance. Recent progress in LMCCA research is analyzed with emphasis on compositional design strategies, representative alloy systems, and their microstructural and functional properties. Particular attention is given to the thermodynamic and kinetic effects arising from multicomponent interactions, which influence phase stability and interfacial reactions such as intermetallic compound (IMC) growth. Through this review, it is hoped to provide some insights for the further development of next‐generation LMCCAs.
Interest in the realm of soft materials toward low‐density yet mechanically robust products is evolving into a nascent field known as foam 3D printing, a compelling avenue for ultralightweight and multifunctional materials. Among an array of strategies, the combination of expandable microspheres (EMs) and 3D printing maps an adaptive, scalable, and versatile approach to generating cellular architectures with tunable properties. Herein, we feature an outlook of polymer foaming principles and various 3D printing techniques, followed by a comprehensive discussion on foam 3D printing via fused filament fabrication (FFF), direct ink writing (DIW), digital light processing (DLP), and inkjet printing. We critically elucidate recent advancements in the field, namely, the design of functionally graded foams, lightweight metamaterials, lattice‐reinforced panels, and multifunctional composites, culminating in an insightful perspective on this thriving field of research. Applications spanning energy absorption, thermal insulation, soft robotics, and wearable devices are highlighted to unveil the latent potential of printed foams. Our narrative will conclude through identifying key materials, processing, and product‐level hurdles and outlining promising areas for studying to expand the capabilities and impact of adaptive foam 3D printing in next‐gen materials and designs.
Orthopedic implant demand is rising as osteoarticular pathologies caused by trauma and infection increase, as well as the global population ages. High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted growing interest for biomedical use because they can combine high strength, ductility, corrosion resistance and promising biocompatibility. Their multi‐principal‐element compositions and associated core effects enable microstructure and property combinations that differ from those of conventional alloys. This review systematically summarizes key design concepts and processing strategies for biomedical high‐entropy alloys (bio‐HEAs). Furthermore, we evaluate advanced fabrication routes, such as additive manufacturing, to achieve properties tailored to specific clinical requirements. By introducing machine learning‐assisted alloy design, we finally discuss the potential of bio‐HEAs to overcome the current limitations of conventional implant materials and also survey in detail their emerging applications in orthopedic implants, dental restorations, and cardiovascular stents. Overall, this review offers insights into the structure–function interplay of bio‐HEAs and provides critical guidance for their future clinical translation.
