Materials
The latest chemistry news and research on materials, including polymers, electronic materials, soft matter and porous materials, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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NewsExplainer: what is thermal paper?
Many thermal papers use toxic bisphenols, which react with dyes under heat to print text for receipts, labels and tickets
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ResearchSelf-healing polymers emerge from the first use of pnictogen bond crosslinks
Antimony–nitrogen interactions yield materials with enhanced stability and the ability to self-heal in aqueous environments
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OpinionWidening impact of conflict in Iran
Deyond hydrocarbons, helium and sulfur – byproducts of petroleum extraction – have also been critically affected by Iran’s blockade of Gulf exports
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ResearchSunlight-driven process upcycles polystyrene waste and elemental sulfur into valuable organic compounds
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
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WebinarIn conversation with Clare Grey
Hear from the pioneering British chemist redefining how we think of battery science – live on 15 May
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WebinarPushing the limits of capacity: the future of battery performance and design
Join us on 11 May to learn about the most promising up-and-coming technologies in battery design
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WebinarClosing the loop: sustainable battery recycling from research to reality
Join us on 13 May to discover the latest advances in battery recycling for cleaner sustainable energy
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OpinionPolicies for advanced wound care dressings in India
India faces a growing crisis in wound treatment, driven by diabetes and an ageing population. A new policy approach could enable Indian innovation to meet this need.
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OpinionAnticipating disruption: governing emerging chemistry-driven technologies in India
How to enable innovation ecosystems
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BusinessEU adds hefty anti-dumping duties to 1,4-butanediol
Imports from China, US and Saudi Arabia will see tariffs of 52–143%
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ResearchMixed-material microrobots created from 3D-printed templates
Precision and flexibility combined in alternative nano fabrication approach
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ResearchGluten-based vegan leather gains strength with heat and UV treatment
Process triggers protein denaturation and crosslinking to create material that gets close to imitating the strength, pliability and texture of natural leather
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OpinionWhy everyone wants to ramp up rare earths production
Rare earth elements have become instruments of geopolitical power
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ResearchEmbodying polymer chemistry with a purpose by upcycling plastics and trapping PFAS
For Frank Leibfarth, focussing on reactivity and selectivity helps him bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research
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NewsQuestions over microplastics findings don’t mean we are safe, scientists say
Researchers seek to overcome measurement issues arising from field’s youth, while some criticism has turned into harassment
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BusinessSabic offloads petrochemicals and plastics plants in Europe and Americas
German private equity firms Aequita and Mutares aim to return struggling plants to profitability
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FeatureHow soft electronics are transforming medical devices
Degradable pacemakers and artificial neurons showcase how flexible, tissue-compatible electronics are revolutionising medicine. But translating these materials from lab bench to clinic requires solving complex structure–function relationships
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ResearchNew material demonstrates ionic conductivity across three states
‘State-independent’ ionic conductivity could create safer solid-state batteries and faster electronics
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OpinionPlastic recycling’s perfect storm
Pending policies that demand more recycling cannot offset problems of high costs and competition from cheap virgin polymers
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ResearchWolffish teeth contain a rare material that shrinks when squeezed rather than expanding
Osteodentin found in the core of this bottom-dwelling Atlantic Ocean predator’s teeth could inspire new designs for stronger, more resilient materials