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.

Pair of ‘epidermal’ electronic devices that support wireless, vital signs measurements in the NICU

How soft electronics are transforming medical devices

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Degradable pacemakers and artificial neurons showcase how flexible, tissue-compatible electronics are revolutionising medicine. But translating these materials from lab bench to clinic requires solving complex structure–function relationships

Spinning tops

Magnetic spin waves could slash computer energy consumption

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Researchers are developing magnonic processors that use magnetic spin waves instead of electric current to process data. Rachel Brazil discovers how it could potentially reduce energy consumption by 90% and offer new possibilities for neuromorphic computing

Car tyre

How tyres are turning green

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As the shift to using renewable and recycled materials in car tyres accelerates, Nina Notman talks to the manufacturers driving the change

Biodegradable plastic bag that has not fully degraded

Clearing up the compostable plastic mess

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Rather than a potential triumph, the compostable plastics we use look increasingly like a tragedy. Andy Extance looks at the problems and seeks solutions

1959 Barbie

Conserving Barbie from degradation

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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

Polymer scrabble

Editing polymer backbones

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Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports

Polymers

Frank Leibfarth

Embodying polymer chemistry with a purpose by upcycling plastics and trapping PFAS

For Frank Leibfarth, focussing on reactivity and selectivity helps him bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research

Fruit and veg in plastic wrapping

Questions over microplastics findings don’t mean we are safe, scientists say

Researchers seek to overcome measurement issues arising from field’s youth, while some criticism has turned into harassment

Geleen Netherlands

Sabic offloads petrochemicals and plastics plants in Europe and Americas

German private equity firms Aequita and Mutares aim to return struggling plants to profitability

Tyre manufacturing

EPA delivers mixed finding on carcinogenic rubber ingredient

US environmental agency says 1,3-butadiene is harmful for some industry workers, but not for the environment or those living near plants using it

Plastic sorting

Plastic recycling is contracting when it needs to grow

High costs, oversupply of virgin polymers and complex political environment are challenging industry

PFAS

Frank Leibfarth

Embodying polymer chemistry with a purpose by upcycling plastics and trapping PFAS

For Frank Leibfarth, focussing on reactivity and selectivity helps him bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research

Blue shelves with bright multicolored fabric rolls on the light wall background inside a warehouse

Textiles in the age of sustainability: alternative methods for fabric dying and treatment

Learn about advances in sustainability of textile production – join us on 31 March

Dry powder inhaler

Inhaler propellant switch is worth the effort

Memories of a year spent testing new inhaler valve designs 

River contaminated with PFAS chemicals

PFAS spring new surprise as some are far more acidic than thought

The acid dissociation constants for some PFAS are significantly lower than past metrics have indicated, with implications for their persistence and spread

DuPont plant

Chemours ordered to immediately limit PFAS emissions into Ohio River

US judge grants injunction to reduce Gen-X discharges from West Virginia plant to permitted levels

Plastic recycling

Fruit and veg in plastic wrapping

Questions over microplastics findings don’t mean we are safe, scientists say

Researchers seek to overcome measurement issues arising from field’s youth, while some criticism has turned into harassment

Plastic sorting

Plastic recycling’s perfect storm

Pending policies that demand more recycling cannot offset problems of high costs and competition from cheap virgin polymers

Plastic sorting

Plastic recycling is contracting when it needs to grow

High costs, oversupply of virgin polymers and complex political environment are challenging industry

Plastic cups

Transforming plastic waste into an efficient CO2 capturing material

Upcycled amide can efficiently capture carbon dioxide from flue gases, as well as air

Plastic in the sea

What happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?

Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution

Microplastics

Fruit and veg in plastic wrapping

Questions over microplastics findings don’t mean we are safe, scientists say

Researchers seek to overcome measurement issues arising from field’s youth, while some criticism has turned into harassment

Plastic in the sea

What happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?

Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution

Plastic pollution

Plastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire

Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider

Laboratory waste

Multi-disciplinary scientists are ready to solve global chemical pollution

Are governments ready to act?

Figure

Cellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water

Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants