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Polymers news
Mechanocatalytic method offers more efficient approach for turning plant biomass into useful chemicals
Lignin is one of the most plentiful organic polymers on Earth, making up about 20% to 30% of the dry mass of wood and other plants.
Biochemistry
21 hours ago
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Scientists develop novel method for strengthening PVC products
Researchers have developed a way to make one type of plastic material more durable and less likely to shed dangerous microplastics. Their study has identified a secure way to attach chemical additives to polyvinyl chloride ...
Polymers
Oct 3, 2024
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Developing plasma-coated paper as a plastic alternative for the packaging industry
Plastic waste, harmful to the environment, has been increasing continually in Germany in recent years. Packaging generates particularly high volumes of waste. Plant-based coatings for paper packaging could provide a sustainable ...
Polymers
Oct 1, 2024
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Sustainably produced covalent organic frameworks can be used for efficient CO₂ capture
An international research team headed by Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and the University of Siegen has synthesized a new compound, which forms a so-called covalent organic framework. The compound, which is ...
Polymers
Oct 1, 2024
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Bioinspired yarn can harvest water from fog
Scientists have developed a bioinspired yarn capable of harvesting water from fog, providing an innovative solution to water scarcity in arid regions. By imitating the alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic patterns seen ...
Polymers
Sep 30, 2024
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Developing artificial muscles to give weakened people their strength back
Researchers have succeeded in making artificial muscle fibers from rubber thread, paving the way for sewing the muscles into a blouse and giving renewed strength to the wearer.
Polymers
Sep 30, 2024
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Advances in processable natural biopolymers: Cellulose, chitosan, eggshell membrane and silk fibroin
A study in Science Bulletin explores the recent advancements in the development of processable natural biopolymers and their myriad applications.
Polymers
Sep 30, 2024
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Lignin-based sunscreen offers natural and high-performance UV protection
In a significant breakthrough for the cosmetics industry, researchers have developed a new type of sunscreen using lignin, a naturally abundant polymer, and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The study, led by Yarong Li and Zhiguang ...
Polymers
Sep 26, 2024
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Citrus waste converted to biopolymers using cavitation
The citrus industry generates a substantial amount of waste, primarily peels and seeds, which are often underutilized despite their rich cellulose and pectin content. Conventional pectin and cellulose extraction methods are ...
Biochemistry
Sep 26, 2024
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19
Mussel-inspired adhesive comes unglued on command
Modern integrated microelectronic devices are often poorly repairable and difficult to recycle. Debondable adhesives play a key role in the transition to a circular economy with sustainable resources, less waste, and intelligent ...
Polymers
Sep 19, 2024
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Microplastics: Meant to last, just not forever and not in our bodies
Megan Hill is an assistant professor of chemistry and leader of the Hill Lab in Colorado State University's College of Natural Sciences. Her research leverages organic chemistry to design advanced polymeric materials for ...
Polymers
Sep 19, 2024
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Nature-inspired patterns boost polymer toughness
Biological systems are renowned for their ability to create strong yet resilient structures. A sea sponge, for instance, grows in layers, forming unique patterns that integrate minerals with softer regions, creating an ideal ...
Polymers
Sep 18, 2024
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Smart supramolecular assemblies: Researchers show how additives promote self-assembly of spherical microparticles
If you've ever opened a box from IKEA and wished the pieces inside could somehow spontaneously merge to form a table or chair, then a simple virus could have a thing or two to teach you. Self-assembly of complex molecules ...
Polymers
Sep 12, 2024
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31
'Fussy' molecules prefer one direction over the other, chiral copolymer study finds
Despite their identical composition, molecules that are mirror images can interact differently with light and electrical current depending on their "handedness," which is called chirality. In a study published in Chemical ...
Polymers
Sep 12, 2024
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Carbohydrate polymers could be a sweet solution for water purification
Water polluted with heavy metals can pose a threat when consumed by humans and aquatic life. Sugar-derived polymers from plants remove these metals but often require other substances to adjust their stability or solubility ...
Polymers
Sep 11, 2024
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New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products pose a major environmental threat. These chemicals, found in everyday items like medicines and cosmetics, can pollute waterways, harming the plants and animals living in the waterways ...
Polymers
Sep 5, 2024
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Composite plastic degrades easily with bacteria, offers environmental benefits
Billions of tons of plastic waste clutter our world. Most of it has accumulated on the ground and in the oceans or disintegrated into tiny particles known as microplastics that pollute the air and the water, penetrating vegetation ...
Biochemistry
Sep 5, 2024
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Combining aesthetics with fire-resistance for improved wood protection
Wood is a popular material for construction and furniture making due to its availability, easy processing, and strong mechanical properties. However, its flammability poses significant risks, particularly in historical buildings.
Polymers
Sep 4, 2024
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Polymer foam aims to transform oil spill cleanup
University of Waterloo researchers have developed a new material that can absorb more than eight times its weight in oil, offering a new solution in preventing groundwater contamination from spills or accidents. The study, ...
Polymers
Sep 3, 2024
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Porous gas-adsorbing materials reveal hidden softness
A team of researchers has reshaped our understanding of developing gas storage materials known as porous coordination polymers (PCPs), which is also known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
Polymers
Sep 3, 2024
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