Collections
Plastics and polymers
In this collection we explore advancements in plastics and polymers research, covering topics such as polymer synthesis, characterisation techniques, material properties, biodegradable polymers, plastic waste and recycling, and the impact of microplastics and PFAS on the environment and human health.
How 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
Clearing 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
Conserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
Editing polymer backbones
Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports
The wonderful wizards of wood
Clever chemistry can turn humble timber into a sustainable material with many uses, Kit Chapman finds
Better skiing through chemistry
While elite sports have been improved by materials science, for disabled athletes the developments can be life-changing. Aisha Al-Janabi reports
Polymers
High levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
PFAS manufacturers sued for deceptive marketing in US
Texas attorney general accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly concealing health risks
Iontronic gel droplets detect beating heart tissue
Microscale hydrogels converted into biocompatable electrical components
Cellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
Plastic treaty negotiators fail to reach agreement
Disputes over treaty’s scope remain as original deadline passes
PFAS
High levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
PFAS manufacturers sued for deceptive marketing in US
Texas attorney general accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly concealing health risks
Visible light-powered catalysts clean up ‘forever chemicals’
Organic photoredox catalysts show promise for fluorinated pollutants
Water regulator applies stricter PFAS limits to drinking water in England and Wales
New guidance, expected to go into effect in January, would cumulatively restrict 48 different PFAS
PFAS analysis: improving efficiency by using LC-MS systems with System Monitoring software
Improve the efficiency of PFAS and other high profile analysis using LC-MS systems with waters_connect System Monitoring software
Plastic recycling
The moral theories behind climate deadlock
Why is it so controversial to do the right thing for the environment?
Plastic treaty negotiators fail to reach agreement
Disputes over treaty’s scope remain as original deadline passes
After years of negotiations, a global agreement to tackle plastic pollution is within sight
The UN’s plastics treaty negotiations have faced many hurdles, but delegates are getting closer to a final agreement
New 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
Directing group facilitates catalytic breakdown of high-performance polymer
Polymer maintains strength during regular use but selectively breaks down when exposed to a nickel catalyst
Microplastics
Cellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
Nanoplastics found to interfere with activity of antibiotic
Microscopic polymer pieces can decrease efficacy of drug
The problem of plastic in our soils
Not just a marine issue, new research shows microplastics are also changing agricultural land. Bárbara Pinho finds out how and what we can do to prevent it affecting our food
Meet the microplastome
New concept seeks to unify microplastics research
Playing with plastic toy building bricks creates microplastic and nanoplastic pollution
Effects of such microscopic plastic particle on health is unknown but scientists urge caution – and more research
Sponsored
Industry and academic leaders unite to drive polymer sustainability
Leading industry figures and academics talk about the challenges faced in the transition to sustainable PLFs
Advances in lignin-derived polymers: Enhancing toughness and creating sustainable thermosets
Join us to discover how the rapid development of bio-based thermosets is transforming polymer science
Evaluating safety and performance of recycled plastics
Download this free bundle now and explore ways to tackle the challenges we face when screening recycled plastics for safety and material properties.
Thermal analysis in the development of long-acting injectable systems
Evaluating new polymers for slow-release drug delivery could deliver better treatment for patients
Is this the future of bioplastics upcycling?
Learn more about chemical methods for a new route to active upcycling of PLA
Sustainability applies to all polymers, not just plastics
How the RSC’s task force on polymers in liquid formulations is making progress
Characterisation and process optimisation of recycled resins for the polymer industry
How analytical chemistry is enabling efficient polymer recycling
Driving environmental sustainability across the polymer supply chain with a digital chemistry strategy
A paradigm shift in the development of environmentally sustainable consumer packaged goods
NewsHigh levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
BusinessPFAS manufacturers sued for deceptive marketing in US
Texas attorney general accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly concealing health risks
ResearchIontronic gel droplets detect beating heart tissue
Microscale hydrogels converted into biocompatable electrical components
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
ResearchCellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
OpinionThe moral theories behind climate deadlock
Why is it so controversial to do the right thing for the environment?
NewsPlastic treaty negotiators fail to reach agreement
Disputes over treaty’s scope remain as original deadline passes
NewsAfter years of negotiations, a global agreement to tackle plastic pollution is within sight
The UN’s plastics treaty negotiations have faced many hurdles, but delegates are getting closer to a final agreement
ResearchNanoplastics found to interfere with activity of antibiotic
Microscopic polymer pieces can decrease efficacy of drug
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
NewsNew polymers to be tested in extreme conditions aboard the International Space Station
The materials might one day make it into spacecraft components
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
ResearchFoaming bioplastic breaks down in seawater four times faster than paper
Highly porous cellulose diacetate polymer could be a packaging alternative
FeatureThe problem of plastic in our soils
Not just a marine issue, new research shows microplastics are also changing agricultural land. Bárbara Pinho finds out how and what we can do to prevent it affecting our food
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
BusinessAdnoc to buy Covestro, continuing expansion into polymers
€15 billion deal sees Gulf oil producer looking to future growth beyond fuels
ResearchChloride ions tunnel free from PVC
Computational clues uncover quantum escape route from common plastic
BusinessCalifornia sues ExxonMobil over misleading plastic recycling claims
Suit claims firm used false claims to justify producing vast amounts of single-use plastics