On August 18, 2026, Prof. Xie Tao from the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Zhejiang University was invited to visit the Institute of New Concept Sensors and Molecular Materials at Shaanxi Normal University, where he presented a report titled “Non-equilibrium Polymer Networks”.

In his report, Prof. Xie Tao elaborated on innovative theories and methods for regulating the network structures of cross-linked polymers. Addressing the fact that the network structures of traditional cross-linked polymers are often in a highly disordered equilibrium state and have limited degrees of freedom for structural regulation, his team introduced the concept of “non-equilibrium states”, thereby breaking through the long-standing performance limits of such materials. He also explained how this concept, combined with recent advancements in molecular design techniques, represents a paradigm shift for the future development of polymer materials.

During the Q&A session, Xie Tao discussed with faculty and students in attendance on topics such as molecular design strategies for non-equilibrium polymer networks, their unique functional properties, and the prospects for their industrial applications in 3D printing.

The session was moderated by Prof. Liu Taihong. More than 40 people attended the event, including INCSMM faculty and students, as well as Professors Hu Bin and He Gang from Xi’an Jiaotong University and Assoc. Prof. Wang Hongyue from Northwestern Polytechnical University.