Collections
Plastics and polymers
In this collection we explore advancements in plastics and polymers research, covering topics such as polymer synthesis, characterisation techniques, material properties, biodegradable polymers, plastic waste and recycling, and the impact of microplastics and PFAS on the environment and human health.
Conserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
Editing polymer backbones
Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports
The wonderful wizards of wood
Clever chemistry can turn humble timber into a sustainable material with many uses, Kit Chapman finds
Better skiing through chemistry
While elite sports have been improved by materials science, for disabled athletes the developments can be life-changing. Aisha Al-Janabi reports
A test of strength for artificial muscles
Scientists trying to copy natural muscles have several problems to overcome, Clare Sansom finds
The rise of ferrofluids
Magnetic liquids are taking off, Hayley Bennett reports, but not as their inventor once imagined
Polymers
Chemists and linguists unite to encode Confucian proverb using sequence-defined polymers
Interdisciplinary collaboration tests how two encoding schemas preserve the visual details of Chinese characters
Plastic chemicals review reveals thousands of compounds have little safety data
Existing scientific knowledge on hazards of plastic chemicals compiled in dossier for decision makers
Concerns raised over health effects of chemicals leaching from food packaging
Gene assays reveal disruption to cell receptors crucial for hormonal and metabolic control
US derailment highlights continuing chemical rail freight concerns
Three-train crash in Pennsylvania leaked diesel and plastic pellets into waterways
Unique polymer can switch from rigid cutlery to an adhesive to malleable plastic
Process that mimics tempering of metals can even be reversed in multi-use plastic
PFAS
PFAS levels in the environment have been significantly underestimated
20 years’ worth of environmental samples reveal up to 80% exceed drinking water standards
US finally gets nationwide regulation of PFAS in drinking water
Long-awaited rule is significantly stricter and covers six PFAS, with a five-year phase in for water utilities
Monitoring PFAS pollutants in king penguins
New insight into how organohalogen pollutants affect seabirds
3M finalises PFAS settlement with US water suppliers
Court-approved scheme will see up to $12.5 billion to fund cleanup of public drinking water systems
Lateral flow PFAS sensor could enable at-home water testing
New device offers fast and cheap way to monitor PFAS in drinking water
Plastic recycling
Tackling plastic is a tangled mess…
…but cutting production has to be part of the solution
Nanoplastics make up around 90% of the plastic particles found in bottled water
Seven different types of plastic detected in three bottled water brands
Chemical recycling finds itself in the firing line as viability of process questioned
Analysis finds that ‘advanced recycling’ creates a toxic waste problem, but some researchers are concerned important nuance is not acknowledged
Vested interests pose threat to chemical waste and plastic pollution initiatives
Researchers warn that conflicts of interest will hinder efforts to tackle the world’s pollution crises
New catalytic process completely breaks down nylon-6 in minutes
US chemists report the mildest conditions to date for Nylon-6 depolymerisation, recovering 99% of the original monomers in the plastic
Microplastics
Microplastics passed on during cell division
New research sheds light on the influence of microplastics on cellular processes
US derailment highlights continuing chemical rail freight concerns
Three-train crash in Pennsylvania leaked diesel and plastic pellets into waterways
Nanoplastics make up around 90% of the plastic particles found in bottled water
Seven different types of plastic detected in three bottled water brands
New database maps plastic chemical exposure and human health effects
Minderoo Foundation’s Plastic Health Map tracking studies on polymers, bisphenols, PFAS and more from 1961 onwards, finds research gaps
Sharing antimicrobial expertise with Parliament
Emily Stevenson is one of two interns working alongside Green Party peer, Baroness Natalie Bennett
Sponsored
Evaluating safety and performance of recycled plastics
Download this free bundle now and explore ways to tackle the challenges we face when screening recycled plastics for safety and material properties.
Thermal analysis in the development of long-acting injectable systems
Evaluating new polymers for slow-release drug delivery could deliver better treatment for patients
Is this the future of bioplastics upcycling?
Learn more about chemical methods for a new route to active upcycling of PLA
Sustainability applies to all polymers, not just plastics
How the RSC’s task force on polymers in liquid formulations is making progress
Characterisation and process optimisation of recycled resins for the polymer industry
Thermal and rheological analysis ensure that plastics maintain their performance
How analytical chemistry is enabling efficient polymer recycling
Waters technologies are helping its customers to make the shift to sustainable plastic use
Driving environmental sustainability across the polymer supply chain with a digital chemistry strategy
A paradigm shift in the development of environmentally sustainable consumer packaged goods
Aiding material formulation QC with a modern flexible LC platform
Fingerprinting recycled thermoplastic resins for process optimisation
FeatureConserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
ResearchChemists and linguists unite to encode Confucian proverb using sequence-defined polymers
Interdisciplinary collaboration tests how two encoding schemas preserve the visual details of Chinese characters
ResearchMicroplastics passed on during cell division
New research sheds light on the influence of microplastics on cellular processes
NewsPlastic chemicals review reveals thousands of compounds have little safety data
Existing scientific knowledge on hazards of plastic chemicals compiled in dossier for decision makers
ResearchConcerns raised over health effects of chemicals leaching from food packaging
Gene assays reveal disruption to cell receptors crucial for hormonal and metabolic control
BusinessUS derailment highlights continuing chemical rail freight concerns
Three-train crash in Pennsylvania leaked diesel and plastic pellets into waterways
OpinionBin Liu: ‘Breakthroughs always need patience’
The materials expert on deciding to become a scientist, collaboration and fishing
ResearchUnique polymer can switch from rigid cutlery to an adhesive to malleable plastic
Process that mimics tempering of metals can even be reversed in multi-use plastic
ResearchEngineered enzymes break down silicon–carbon bonds in siloxane, an emerging pollutant
Directed evolution offers a way to tackle waste silicone
ResearchSlow Arrhenius process identified in molecular glasses
Findings challenge common ideas on glassy dynamics
FeatureEditing polymer backbones
Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports
NewsPlastic pellets spill pollutes north Spanish coast
While analytical reports predict minimal effects to human health, microplastics could chronically harm marine organisms and ecosystems
ResearchThermodynamically stable ‘plumber’s nightmare’ structure self-assembles from block copolymers
The crucial role of end group and linker chemistry enabled creation of the infamous structure, offering a new way to produce nanoscale architecture
ResearchNanoplastics make up around 90% of the plastic particles found in bottled water
Seven different types of plastic detected in three bottled water brands
OpinionJulia Kornfield: ‘I’ve often followed an instinct about a person’
The polymer expert on power imbalances and following her instinct
ResearchBonding nanoparticles to rubber increases material’s fatigue resistance sixfold
Discovery puts rubber on the road to tougher tyres