Polymers
The latest chemistry news and research on polymers, including polymer synthesis and characterisation and sustainable polymers, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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BusinessAlgenesis cracks diisocyanate problem to make fully bio-based polyurethane
Process combines algal fermentation with flow chemistry and avoids hazardous phosgene
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OpinionGoing round in circles over skills
Closing skills gaps in key professional groups requires collaboration between government, industry and educators
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BusinessSailing towards recycling composite textiles
Sustainable Extricko is using superheated steam and pressure to recycle intractable materials used in sailing
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NewsTeflon diet earns trio the 2025 Ig Nobel chemistry prize
The prizes that first make you laugh, then make you think reward more irreverent scientific ideas.
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ResearchTransforming plastic waste into an efficient CO2 capturing material
Upcycled amide can efficiently capture carbon dioxide from flue gases, as well as air
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OpinionWhat happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
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RSCDigital product passports: building radical transparency for polymers in liquid formulations
Industry giants join alliance that is working to develop a digital record that will track a product’s entire lifecycle and environmental impact
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ResearchBranched polymers protect cell mimics that can interact with biological cells
Dendritic polymers encase coacervate microdroplets, enabling them to closely mimic natural cells
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NewsNegotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
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OpinionCheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
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NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
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BusinessTwo more European crackers to close
Sabic will not reopen UK plant and Dow will close another in Germany
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ResearchPolymer membrane separates hydrocarbons, offering alternative to distillation
Microporous membrane enables energy efficient chemical separations
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OpinionGiving companies room to grow
Can shopping centres and offices become urban lab spaces for innovative companies to grow and scale-up?
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ResearchLess than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
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BusinessThe problem of scale-up in the UK
What’s the point of knowledge generation if we’re not creating high value jobs, asks Chris Kay
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BusinessUS drops chloroprene emissions lawsuit against Denka
Government says lawsuit stretched legal definitions in pursuit of ‘environmental justice’
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BusinessBiomanufacturing proliferates in chemicals
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
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ResearchAccidental discovery depolymerises commercial plexiglass
Light-triggered process breaks down waste plastic