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Polymers news
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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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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1
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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73
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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1
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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Chemists create gel to prevent leaks and boost lithium-ion battery life
A new type of gel, developed by chemists at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), could help to make lithium-ion batteries safer and more powerful. The gel is designed to prevent the highly flammable electrolyte ...
Polymers
Sep 2, 2024
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100
Depolymerization method achieves exclusive chemical recycling of PET from cloth waste and plastic waste mixtures
A research team led by Professor Kotohiro Nomura from Tokyo Metropolitan University has developed a method for the depolymerization of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) using alcohols and an inexpensive, readily available ...
Polymers
Sep 2, 2024
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83
Scientists offer strong carbon plastics for aviation
Employees of the Institute of Chemistry of Kazan Federal University and the Kazan National Research Technical University have produced especially strong carbon plastics based on phosphate binders that can withstand temperatures ...
Polymers
Aug 30, 2024
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Catalytic process vaporizes plastic bags and bottles, yielding gases to make new, recycled plastics
A new chemical process can essentially vaporize plastics that dominate the waste stream today and turn them into hydrocarbon building blocks for new plastics.
Polymers
Aug 29, 2024
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71
Chemical plastics recycling is ready to go: Researchers show that it's all about the stirring
Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste are generated worldwide every year. Scientists are working tirelessly on new methods to recycle a large proportion of this waste into high-quality products and thus enable a genuine ...
Polymers
Aug 28, 2024
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84
Biomass-based polymer can capture and release CO₂ without high pressure or extreme temperatures
A new, biomass-based material developed by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers can be used to repeatedly capture and release carbon dioxide.
Polymers
Aug 26, 2024
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95
Machine learning uses X-ray diffraction data from polymers to predict the behavior of new materials
Polymers such as polypropylene are fundamental materials in the modern world, found in everything from computers to cars. Because of their ubiquity, it's vital that materials scientists know exactly how each newly developed ...
Polymers
Aug 23, 2024
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