Polymers
The latest chemistry news and research on polymers, including polymer synthesis and characterisation and sustainable polymers, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
-
BusinessHow a weak rubber supply chain threatens US national security
Irene Yurovska raises the alarm on US reliance on Chinese imports for critical chemical additives
-
FeatureMagnetic spin waves could slash computer energy consumption
Researchers are developing magnonic processors that use magnetic spin waves instead of electric current to process data. Rachel Brazil discovers how it could potentially reduce energy consumption by 90% and offer new possibilities for neuromorphic computing
-
BusinessAlgenesis cracks diisocyanate problem to make fully bio-based polyurethane
Process combines algal fermentation with flow chemistry and avoids hazardous phosgene
-
OpinionGoing round in circles over skills
Closing skills gaps in key professional groups requires collaboration between government, industry and educators
-
BusinessSailing towards recycling composite textiles
Sustainable Extricko is using superheated steam and pressure to recycle intractable materials used in sailing
-
NewsTeflon diet earns trio the 2025 Ig Nobel chemistry prize
The prizes that first make you laugh, then make you think reward more irreverent scientific ideas.
-
ResearchTransforming plastic waste into an efficient CO2 capturing material
Upcycled amide can efficiently capture carbon dioxide from flue gases, as well as air
-
OpinionWhat happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
-
RSCDigital product passports: building radical transparency for polymers in liquid formulations
Industry giants join alliance that is working to develop a digital record that will track a product’s entire lifecycle and environmental impact
-
ResearchBranched polymers protect cell mimics that can interact with biological cells
Dendritic polymers encase coacervate microdroplets, enabling them to closely mimic natural cells
-
NewsNegotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
-
OpinionCheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
-
NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
-
-
BusinessTwo more European crackers to close
Sabic will not reopen UK plant and Dow will close another in Germany
-
ResearchPolymer membrane separates hydrocarbons, offering alternative to distillation
Microporous membrane enables energy efficient chemical separations
-
OpinionGiving companies room to grow
Can shopping centres and offices become urban lab spaces for innovative companies to grow and scale-up?
-
ResearchLess than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
-
BusinessThe problem of scale-up in the UK
What’s the point of knowledge generation if we’re not creating high value jobs, asks Chris Kay
-
BusinessUS drops chloroprene emissions lawsuit against Denka
Government says lawsuit stretched legal definitions in pursuit of ‘environmental justice’