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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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ResearchCharge-switching polymer could hold the key to needle-free insulin gel
Animal tests reveal zwitterionic polymer can transport insulin through skin and regulate blood glucose
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Research2D polymer films approach exceptional impermeability of pristine graphene
Spin-coated polyaramids could protect food and solar cells from air
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BusinessSouth African Lawsuit challenges Sasol’s ethylene monopoly
Plastics producer Safripol says high prices mean it can’t compete with imported materials
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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
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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
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BusinessAlgenesis cracks diisocyanate problem to make fully bio-based polyurethane
Process combines algal fermentation with flow chemistry and avoids hazardous phosgene
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OpinionGoing round in circles over skills
Closing skills gaps in key professional groups requires collaboration between government, industry and educators
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BusinessSailing towards recycling composite textiles
Sustainable Extricko is using superheated steam and pressure to recycle intractable materials used in sailing