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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ResearchLess than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
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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
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BusinessUS drops chloroprene emissions lawsuit against Denka
Government says lawsuit stretched legal definitions in pursuit of ‘environmental justice’
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BusinessBiomanufacturing proliferates in chemicals
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
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ResearchAccidental discovery depolymerises commercial plexiglass
Light-triggered process breaks down waste plastic
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ResearchSeed oil-based polymer should survive a day in the rain but degrade within years in the sea
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
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ResearchTwo-way polymerisation produces both elastic and rigid recyclable thermoset plastics
One-pot synthesis uses dihydrofuran monomers
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ResearchTuning polymer microstructure produces adhesive stickier than super glue
Manipulating monomer stereochemistry controls polymer properties
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ResearchHigh levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
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BusinessPFAS manufacturers sued for deceptive marketing in US
Texas attorney general accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly concealing health risks
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ResearchIontronic gel droplets detect beating heart tissue
Microscale hydrogels converted into biocompatable electrical components
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FeatureHow tyres are turning green
As the shift to using renewable and recycled materials in car tyres accelerates, Nina Notman talks to the manufacturers driving the change
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ResearchCellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
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NewsPlastic treaty negotiators fail to reach agreement
Disputes over treaty’s scope remain as original deadline passes
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ResearchNanoplastics found to interfere with activity of antibiotic
Microscopic polymer pieces can decrease efficacy of drug
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FeatureClearing up the compostable plastic mess
Rather than a potential triumph, the compostable plastics we use look increasingly like a tragedy. Andy Extance looks at the problems and seeks solutions
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NewsNew polymers to be tested in extreme conditions aboard the International Space Station
The materials might one day make it into spacecraft components
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ResearchNew database highlights gaps in plastic monitoring efforts
Certain types of plastic products are rarely studied in detail, while many monitoring campaigns focus on a small number of well-known hazardous chemicals
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ResearchFoaming bioplastic breaks down in seawater four times faster than paper
Highly porous cellulose diacetate polymer could be a packaging alternative
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ResearchDirecting group facilitates catalytic breakdown of high-performance polymer
Polymer maintains strength during regular use but selectively breaks down when exposed to a nickel catalyst