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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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
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NewsEPA delivers mixed finding on carcinogenic rubber ingredient
US environmental agency says 1,3-butadiene is harmful for some industry workers, but not for the environment or those living near plants using it
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BusinessPlastic recycling is contracting when it needs to grow
High costs, oversupply of virgin polymers and complex political environment are challenging industry
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ResearchSupramolecular gels improve performance of aircraft deicing fluids
Made using low-cost reagents, the gels could be more sustainable than current anti-icing products
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ResearchStiffest organic crystals reported to date discovered in well-known material
Mucic acid crystals owe their rigidity to a dense network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds
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OpinionStructure as a strategy
Progress in materials chemistry has often come from changing what things are made of, yet today we understand that how those components are arranged is just as important
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OpinionReprieve for Grangemouth ethylene
UK government agrees £150 million deal to support the country’s last ethylene production plant
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ResearchShedding light on how photoactive crystals respond in real time
Lauren Hatcher discusses her work developing techniques for time-resolved crystallography
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BusinessChemicals industry roundup 2025
Europe hit hard by China’s independence push, but India is growing
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ResearchInsulating window material prevents heat loss while allowing more light through than glass
Easy to make polymer could be used for energy efficient buildings
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ResearchExquisite stereochemical control will allow creation of millions of unique polymers
New method take inspiration from established techniques like those used to synthesise DNA
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OpinionChanging the rules of global chemicals trade
Chemical dumping claims reflect US and China’s focus on national interests ahead of global markets
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BusinessTaking aerogel insulation from spacecraft to living space
Nanoplume’s bio-based materials are super-insulating but also cheap and scalable
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ResearchNew MOF binds two gas molecules at each metal site
Rare co-operative adsorption mechanism enables metal–organic framework to bind two carbon monoxide molecules at each metal centre
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BusinessIneos asks EU to intervene over ‘unfair’ chemical imports
Group says 10 key chemicals are being dumped cheaply, harming domestic industry
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ResearchMechanoluminescence goes crystal-free
Bending, twisting and contact separation cause pure amorphous solids made from heteroleptic copper(I) complexes to emit light