This paper systematically summarizes the application and acceptance of science foundation projects in the organic polymer materials discipline under the Department of Engineering and Materials Sciences at the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2025. It provides an in-depth analysis of the distribution of applications across various project categories and the performance evaluation of projects concluded in 2024, and comprehensively reviews recent fund-supported research achievements in organic polymer materials. Finally, based on the current research landscape and development trends of the discipline, perspectives on the funding directions and key priorities for 2026 are presented.

Hydrosilylation polymerization, referring to the polymerization of the addition reaction between Si―H bonds and unsaturated bonds, serves as a pivotal pathway for synthesizing organosilicon polymers and demonstrates broad application prospects within the field of silicone chemistry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research progress in hydrosilylation polymerization studies. Based on the different types of catalysts employed, the field is categorized into two major segments for exploration: metal and metal-free catalytic systems. The research focus is centered on the innovative design of catalysts, precise optimization of reaction conditions, exploration of novel polymer syntheses, and continuous expansion of application domains. Through a systematic summary and in-depth analysis of the evolution and development of reaction catalysts, this review aims to provide new insights into the further refinement and innovation of hydrosilylation polymerization.

Compared with traditional polymer materials, polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) show significant promise for combining the dual advantages of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and organic polymer matrices, which exhibit superior optical, electrical, and mechanical properties compared with traditional polymer materials. Consequently, PNCs have been utilized in a wide range of engineering fields. Among these properties, mechanical performance is the foundation for enabling multifunctional applications. Owing to their high stiffness and specific surface area, the incorporation of NPs is an effective method for enhancing the tensile properties of PNCs. However, the complex factors influencing these nanocomposites have hindered the establishment of a comprehensive direct relationship between intermolecular interactions and tensile performance. This review systematically summarizes the effect of nanoparticle networks and interfacial interactions on the dynamic balance between tensile strength and ductility in PNCs from the perspectives of particle-particle and particle-polymer interactions. By providing a deeper understanding of the structure-property relationships, this study aims to guide the rational design of microstructures for fabricating high-performance PNCs that simultaneously possess both high strength and high ductility.

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a green and biodegradable polyester that combines the flexibility of aliphatic and the rigidity of aromatic. It is one of the ideal materials to replace traditional plastics. However, its low melt strength leads to poor cell size stability of foamed materials, which restricts the wide application of high-performance PBAT foamed materials in packaging, agriculture, biomedicine and flexible electronics. This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress of PBAT foamed materials, focusing on the strengthening mechanisms of melt strength by strategies such as multi-phase blending, functional filler composites, crosslinking reinforcement and molecular topological structure regulation; deeply analyzes the regulation laws of cell structure by four foaming processes; finally summarizes the research status of PBAT foamed materials in functional packaging, ecological agriculture, biomedicine and other fields, and looks forward to the research directions of revealing multi-scale structure regulation mechanisms and developing green and intelligent foaming processes in the future, providing theoretical basis and technical support for the development of high-performance PBAT foamed materials.

The performance of proton exchange membranes in vanadium redox flow batteries directly determines battery efficiency. Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) membranes demonstrate great potential to replace Nafion membranes due to their simple structure, controllable sulfonation degree, and cost advantages. This review focuses on SPEEK-based membranes, centering on the core issue of “how to balance proton conductivity and vanadium ion permeation resistance”. It systematically summarizes mainstream modification strategies including organic-inorganic hybridization, cross-linked structure construction, surface functionalization, and porous structure regulation, with a focus on discussing the enhancement mechanisms of different modification methods on the selectivity of membrane materials. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of SPEEK-based membranes and potential future research directions are discussed.

N-halamine polymers are a class of polymeric materials with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, which exhibit highly efficient and long-lasting antibacterial activity due to their unique N-halamine structure. In recent years, with the rapid development of materials science and antibacterial technology, significant progress has been made in the application of N-halamine polymers in fields such as medical care, water treatment, textiles, food packaging and so on. This work reviews the types, preparation methods of N-halamine monomers and polymers, as well as their research progress in medical protective materials, textiles, medical device coatings, water/air filtration materials, etc. It focuses on discussing the application of N-halamine polymers in medical protective products such as antibacterial dressings, coatings, masks, and oral implants, as well as their advantages in anti-biofilm formation and anti-infection. In addition, the challenges N-halamine polymers faced in practical applications, such as long-term stability and biocompatibility are analyzed. The future development directions, including the new N-halamine derivatives, the preparation of composite antibacterial materials by combining nanotechnology, and the promotion of clinical applications have also been prospected. As efficient antibacterial materials, N-halamine polymers have broad application prospects in medical protection and public health fields.

Bleeding is a common and severe issue in both clinical and daily settings, where massive hemorrhage, if not controlled promptly, can lead to shock and even life‑threatening consequences. Food‑derived hemostatic gels have demonstrated significant potential in trauma emergency care due to their material safety, favorable biocompatibility, and low cost. This article provides a concise overview of the hemostatic mechanisms, modification strategies, and research progress of nine typical food‑derived gel matrices, including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, okra extract, sodium alginate, cellulose, gelatin, collagen, keratin, and silk fibroin. Through comparative analysis, the core advantages, limitations, and suitable clinical scenarios of each material are clarified. The analysis indicates that current research still faces shortcomings in mechanical properties, wet adhesion, functional integration, and batch‑to‑batch consistency. Accordingly, this paper further proposes that future efforts should focus on enhancing toughness through dynamic cross‑linking, achieving intelligent responsive release of multifunctional components, integrating 3D printing for personalized adaptation, and establishing a standardized quality control system from raw materials to finished products, thereby promoting the translation of food‑derived hemostatic gels into reliable clinical medical devices.

The replacement of petrochemical-based chain extenders with bio-based alternatives is essential for driving the polyurethane industry toward green and sustainable development. In this study, the bio-based chain extender 2,5-furandimethanol (FDM), castor-oil-based polyol 1750 (COP-1750), and polymeric 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) were employed as raw materials. By comparing the systems formulated with the petrochemical aromatic chain extender hydroquinone di(β-hydroxyethyl) ether (HER) and with no chain extender, the effects of bio-based and petrochemical-based chain extenders on the performance of thermosetting polyurethanes were systematically investigated. The thermosetting polyurethane synthesized using FDM (TS-PU-FDM) exhibited tensile strength, flexural strength, and compressive yield strength values of 60.36, 66.14, and 58.25 MPa, respectively, outperforming both the HER-based (TS-PU-HER) and chain-extender-free (TS-PU-CK) polyurethanes. Compared with TS-PU-HER and TS-PU-CK, the tensile strength of TS-PU-FDM increased by 34.31% and 147.57%, while the flexural strength increased by 16.45% and 25.00%, respectively. After immersion for 21 days in 5 wt% H₂SO₄, 1 wt% NaOH, deionized water, and seawater, the tensile strength of TS-PU-FDM remained above 97% of its original value. These results demonstrate that FDM, as a bio-based aromatic chain extender, can effectively replace the petrochemical aromatic chain extender HER, providing a green and sustainable chain-extending alternative for the future development of bio-based thermosetting polyurethanes.

Spirofluorene polyimide (SFPI) is a type of polyimide (PI) with a large-volume rigid spirofluorene structure. It typically exhibits a high glass transition temperature (T_g >350 ℃) and twisted structure, which suggests its potential applicability in extreme environments. In this study, SFPI was employed as the matrix for chemical modification; besides the typical halogen modification of fluorination, substitutions with other halogens (Cl, Br) were also investigated, a research direction that is currently scarce in the field of high-temperature dielectric polymers. In this study, three halogenated SFPIs were synthesized via a one-step chemical polymerization method, namely FFPI (fluorine-substituted), CFPI (chlorine-substituted), and BFPI (bromine-substituted). Ultimately, at 150 ℃ and with an energy storage efficiency (η)>90%, BFPI achieved a maximum energy storage density of 4.54 J/cm³, which represents an increase of more than 100% compared with SFPI (whose energy storage density was 2.07 J/cm³ under the same conditions). This indicates that besides fluorination, substitution with other halogen elements is also an effective approach to enhance the high temperature energy storage performance of polymers.

Conventional polyethylene (PE) composites often suffer from insufficient compactness, high hydrogen permeability, and complex modification procedures in long‑distance hydrogen transportation. To address these issues, pure PE samples were first prepared by extrusion‑based hot melting. Tungsten particles were then injected into the PE matrix with high‑velocity impact to fabricate a highly compact PE/W composite. The effects of tungsten powder injection on the microstructure, morphology, and properties of the PE composite were systematically investigated. The results show that the as‑prepared PE/W composite exhibits a crystallization temperature of 129.39 ℃ and a crystallization enthalpy of 139.8 J/g. Its hardness reaches 65 HD, representing an 18.2% increase compared with pure PE. The impact toughness is 0.385 kJ/m², and the fracture mode changes from shear‑dominated ductile fracture to a mixed ductile‑brittle tearing pattern. The elastic modulus is enhanced by 52.7%, and the compactness reaches 94.50%, which is 1.43% higher than that of pure PE. Moreover, the volume resistivity is measured as 5.61×10¹⁰ Ω, and the hydrogen permeability is as low as 1.7×10⁻¹⁴ mol·m/(m²·s·Pa). These findings demonstrate that the PE/W composite possesses significantly improved compactness and barrier properties against hydrogen permeation, offering a promising solution for hydrogen transport applications.

Fracture toughness is a crucial mechanical property of polymer materials, directly determining their load-bearing limits and service lifetimes in practical applications. As one of the most representative classical models in polymer fracture mechanics, the Lake-Thomas theory elucidates the molecular origin of toughness in rubbers and elastomers. Despite its landmark significance in polymer fracture research, this theory has not yet been systematically incorporated into the current teaching of “Polymer Physics”, making it difficult for students to understand macroscopic fracture mechanisms from the perspective of chemical bond energy and molecular structure. Teaching practice shows that after studying the stress-strain behavior of polymers, students exhibit strong curiosity about the molecular mechanism underlying the ultimate fracture. Taking the Lake-Thomas theory as the central theme, this paper systematically reviews its historical development, reconstructs its derivation logic, and explores its application and extended models in complex polymer systems such as double-network hydrogels. Through a teaching case based on rubber-tear experiments, this study demonstrates how adopting an “inventor’s perspective” in the classroom can guide students to understand the energetic essence of molecular chain rupture, thereby deepening their comprehension of polymer fracture behavior, promoting the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, and enhancing their analytical and innovative thinking abilities.

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the industrial landscape, cultivating interdisciplinary talents at the intersection of art and technology has emerged as a crucial task in higher education. To address challenges such as the cognitive barriers between art design and polymer materials disciplines, fragmented curriculum systems, and insufficient industry-academia collaboration, this study established and implemented a teaching model on the “art and technology” platform. This model is characterized by “two integration, two drivers, three teaching approaches, and one evaluation mechanism”.This model establishes a three-stage progressive curriculum system that advances “art-engineering integration” through theory-practice interplay. It enhances multi-level pedagogical practices through a progressive approach involving “competitions−research projects−innovation workshops” fosters industry-education-innovation synergy through jointly built practice bases and entrepreneurship incubation platforms, forming a pipeline for research outcome transformation, and incorporates rolling evaluations for continuous optimization. Practical experience has demonstrated that this model significantly enhances students’ cross-border integration capabilities, innovative practice abilities, and industrial adaptability. It thus provides a replicable paradigm for cultivating interdisciplinary talents in art and engineering, suited to the needs of the new era.

To address the key challenges in traditional Polymer Physics education, such as the difficulty in comprehending abstract theoretical concepts, constraints in experimental training, and insufficient development of higher-order competencies, this study introduces a “teacher-student-AI” collaborative education model that deeply integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to redesign the entire teaching process. A closed-loop instructional framework of “AI-assisted knowledge deconstruction-teacher-student collaborative inquiry-innovative practice verification” was established, supported by visualization tools, virtual experiment platforms, and AI-based analytical systems, effectively overcoming the spatiotemporal and cognitive limitations inherent in conventional teaching. Over a two-year period, the model was implemented among students majoring in functional materials (2022 and 2023 cohorts) at the North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering. A comparative analysis between the experimental and control classes revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly better performance across multiple metrics: core knowledge point mastery (89.6% versus 68.3%), annual output of innovative experiment designs (12 versus 5 projects per year), and award rates in disciplinary competitions (31.2% versus 12.5%). Furthermore, the integration of AI tools enhanced the efficiency of teacher-student collaboration by more than 40%. This model, with “high-order thinking, innovation, and challenge” at its core, establishes a “teacher-student-AI” collaborative theoretical framework. It not only provides a replicable practical path for building a “golden course” in polymer physics but also serves as a paradigmatic reference for the deep integration of intelligent technology and specialized curricula.

To address the challenges in traditional chemical fiber production training—such as high costs, high risks, insufficient depth, and limited innovation cultivation—this study takes the “Chemical Fiber Production Training” course for Polymer Materials and Engineering at Henan University of Engineering as a case study to construct and implement a “virtual-real integration, virtual-assisted real” virtual simulation teaching system. Guided by course objectives, the system features a high-fidelity virtual simulation platform covering three levels (“cognition-operation-evaluation”) and seven core modules. It accurately replicates the core processes and equipment structures of melt and wet spinning. The pedagogical approach employs a three-step model: “pre-class virtual preview, in-class virtual-real comparison, and post-class virtual expansion”, which deeply integrates virtual simulation into the entire teaching process. Quantitative evaluation of teaching effectiveness and analysis of course objective attainment showed that the new model significantly enhanced students’ engineering design and innovative practice capabilities (mean achievement of course objectives>0.81). It is particularly effective in cultivating higher-order skills, such as solving complex engineering problems and data analysis. This study confirms that the “objective-oriented, virtual-real fusion, closed-loop evaluation” teaching system represents a systematic reconstruction of traditional engineering practice paradigms. It provides a replicable and scalable solution for addressing common practical teaching challenges in similar fields.

“Polymer Material” is an important teaching link of chemistry and chemical engineering majors, aiming at cultivating students’ innovative thinking, practical ability and independent problem-solving ability. The design experiment teaching with polymer materials as the core can involve the synthesis, modification, performance testing and other aspects of polymer materials theory and practice, which has strong practicability and application. Therefore, this teaching study guided students to use a one-step method to synthesize hyperbranched polysiloxane containing imino and symmetrical structure, adjust the viscosity of the resulting hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi) by changing the ratio of raw materials, and guide students to explore the effect of aggregation degree on its aggregation-indused emission (AIE) performance. In the course of teaching, students are organized to integrate the knowledge of polymer structure design methods and stepwise polymerization reaction mechanisms, and to explore the relationship between polymer structure and properties. The course is guided by improving students’ comprehensive application and problem-solving ability, and deeply explores the regulatory mechanism of structure on performance by organizing students to systematically sort out the knowledge system of polymer structure design methods and gradual polymerization reaction mechanisms. Combined with the independent design and practical training of “Polymer Materials” teaching cases, focus on cultivating students’ awareness of practical innovation and promote the effective transformation of theoretical knowledge into engineering application ability.

Addressing the need for “interdisciplinary and application-oriented” talents in the new era, this paper implements an educational reform that integrates undergraduate teaching with scientific research and theoretical knowledge for practical application. Centered on a series of experiments involving the synthesis and characterization of polymer light-emitting materials, a systematic pedagogical framework has been designed for the cross-disciplinary and elite students at Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Through research practice, this approach cultivates scientific thinking, stimulates research interest, and enhances students’ autonomous capabilities in problem identification, analysis, and resolution. Furthermore, ideological and political elements have been strategically integrated throughout the course to encourage the students to align their personal growth with national development goals, achieving a synergistic combination of value guidance and competency development.