Polymers – Page 3
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ResearchUnique polymer can switch from rigid cutlery to an adhesive to malleable plastic
Process that mimics tempering of metals can even be reversed in multi-use plastic
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ResearchEngineered enzymes break down silicon–carbon bonds in siloxane, an emerging pollutant
Directed evolution offers a way to tackle waste silicone
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ResearchSlow Arrhenius process identified in molecular glasses
Findings challenge common ideas on glassy dynamics
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FeatureEditing polymer backbones
Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports
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ResearchThermodynamically stable ‘plumber’s nightmare’ structure self-assembles from block copolymers
The crucial role of end group and linker chemistry enabled creation of the infamous structure, offering a new way to produce nanoscale architecture
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ResearchNanoplastics make up around 90% of the plastic particles found in bottled water
Seven different types of plastic detected in three bottled water brands
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OpinionJulia Kornfield: ‘I’ve often followed an instinct about a person’
The polymer expert on power imbalances and following her instinct
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ResearchBonding nanoparticles to rubber increases material’s fatigue resistance sixfold
Discovery puts rubber on the road to tougher tyres
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NewsChemical recycling finds itself in the firing line as viability of process questioned
Analysis finds that ‘advanced recycling’ creates a toxic waste problem, but some researchers are concerned important nuance is not acknowledged
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OpinionSaving the sounds of Superstition
Preserving the look, feel and sound of degrading plastic artefacts presents particular problems
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NewsVested interests pose threat to chemical waste and plastic pollution initiatives
Researchers warn that conflicts of interest will hinder efforts to tackle the world’s pollution crises
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ResearchNew catalytic process completely breaks down nylon-6 in minutes
US chemists report the mildest conditions to date for Nylon-6 depolymerisation, recovering 99% of the original monomers in the plastic
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NewsHow your lab can cut its environmental footprint by recycling its gloves
Thousands of tonnes of disposable gloves go to landfill every year. Meet the people trying to change that
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NewsNew database maps plastic chemical exposure and human health effects
Minderoo Foundation’s Plastic Health Map tracking studies on polymers, bisphenols, PFAS and more from 1961 onwards, finds research gaps
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ResearchAerophobic electrodes prevent bubble coalescence and boost mass transport
Hydrogel electrode coating improves the efficiency of gas evolution reactions
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NewsLego struggles to find the right chemistry to replace oil-based virgin plastics
Danish toymaker commits to redouble efforts to produce more sustainable polymers for Lego pieces
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ResearchOrganocatalyst deconstructs mixed plastic waste into monomers
Step towards closed-loop recycling
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ResearchPolyurethane foams given a new lease of life as high-performance 3D printing inks
Upcycling method paves way to work with other hard to reuse thermoset plastics