Front Cover: The size-dependent pairing between an-isotropic multimaterial nanoparticles is demonstrated. The association is provided by the spontaneous assembly of Janus nanoparticles upon addition of a silica precursor. A face-selective silica coating on the surface of the Janus particles induces a morphology change, which then mediates the irreversible size-dependent pairing of the particles. Further details can be found in the article by D. Estupiñán, M. B. Bannwarth,* K. Landfester, and D. Crespy* on page 2070.

The size-dependent interaction between anisotropic hybrid colloids is investigated. The particles spontaneously assemble in pairs by a three-step process: (i) site-selective morphology change of Janus particles, (ii) size-dependent assembly, and (iii) fixing of the particle association. This is achieved simultaneously by adding a silica precursor that gradually creates a cavity for large particles, in which smaller ones can fit.

Poly(N-propargyl glycine) undergoes crosslinking simply upon heating in the absence of any additives or metal catalysts. The crosslinking process is analyzed by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), Fourier-transform infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Films of triethylene glycol-modified pentafluorostyrene block copolymers undergo significant surface reconstruction upon immersion in water, resulting in a preferential exposure of the oxyethylenic chains to contact water. Such modification is even more marked when the block copolymer is dispersed in a cross-linked silicone matrix, as the surface concentration of the fluorinated block increases after immersion in water.

Depending on the reaction conditions, polycondensations of trifunctional monomers yield soluble nanogels or insoluble networks. At moderate monomer concentrations the initially formed functional cyclic and multicyclic oligomers (the “eggs”) serve as building blocks for the larger nanogels or networks. Polycondensations in bulk yield at first hyperbranched oligomers and polymers (the “hens”) which form small cyclic units in a later stage of the polycondensation.

The one-pot combination of eROP and ROMP is successfully conducted to prepare block copolymers. The strategy possesses many advantages for preparing well-defined copolymers, such as mild reaction conditions and the elimination of purification steps for complex intermediates.

1,8-naphthalimide containing polyacetylene-type copolymers possessing either linear or cross-linked architecture and microporous texture are prepared by one-step polymerization. Copolymers exhibit fluorescence upon excitation of 1,8-naphthalimide directly or via energy transfer.

For multicomponent gases/polymer mixtures, partial molar volume and volumetric thermal expansion coefficient of each gas dissolved in the polymer phase are estimated by using the experimental solubility or swelling data in conjunction with the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state. The results suggest that the co-solvent effect is provoked by the gas with higher solubility and higher volumetric thermal expansion coefficient.

Furanic polyesters, derived from renewable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, are highly attractive polymers and sustainable substitutes of some performance-related fossil-based commodities like polyethylene terephthalate. In this work a new synthetic pathway for the production of furan-based polyesters is reported. Cyclic oligoesters of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and butane diol are chemically synthesized by semi-batch esterification. The cycles are then successfully polymerized via ring-opening polymerization.