Materials
The latest chemistry news and research on materials, including polymers, electronic materials, soft matter and porous materials, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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NewsHigh levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
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ResearchElectrochemical process that bypasses limestone could slash cement’s huge carbon footprint
Gigaton-scale carbon reductions offered by process that makes use of carbon-free calcium silicates from abundant minerals and recycled concrete
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ResearchAI aids discovery of solar cell materials with near-record efficiency
Machine learning uncovers hidden relationships in materials design
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BusinessPFAS manufacturers sued for deceptive marketing in US
Texas attorney general accuses 3M and DuPont of knowingly concealing health risks
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BusinessOpposition to lithium mines hampers green technology supply chain
Europe and US seek to escape Chinese dominance in critical minerals
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ResearchIontronic gel droplets detect beating heart tissue
Microscale hydrogels converted into biocompatable electrical components
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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
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ResearchSpaghetti-like nanofibres made by electrospinning wheat flour
Team calculate their ‘nanopasta’ is ‘approximately a thousand times’ thinner than threads of god
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ResearchCellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
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ResearchMetal–organic framework captures carbon dioxide at industrially relevant temperatures
Material could improve energy efficiency of capturing carbon from industy’s exhaust gases
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NewsPlastic treaty negotiators fail to reach agreement
Disputes over treaty’s scope remain as original deadline passes
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ResearchProtective coating for timber made from tree bark compounds
Coating avoids using fossil hydrocarbons so could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based paints, varnishes and oils
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ResearchColour-changing textiles for temperature regulation
A new smart fabric switches between reflecting and absorbing states without external energy inputs
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ResearchThe race to commercialise nuclear-powered batteries
‘Radiovoltaic’ devices can deliver long-lasting power to pacemakers, planetary rovers and more
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ResearchNanoplastics found to interfere with activity of antibiotic
Microscopic polymer pieces can decrease efficacy of drug
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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
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ResearchNanoscale peaks and valleys create long-lasting frost-resistant surfaces
Treatment could protect energy infrastructure and heat exchangers
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NewsNew polymers to be tested in extreme conditions aboard the International Space Station
The materials might one day make it into spacecraft components
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FeatureBattery-free bioelectronic implants
Spurred by advances in energy-harvesting materials, a new generation of advanced implantable biomedical devices is emerging that does away with the bulky battery. James Mitchell Crow reports
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ResearchHow ‘magic mud’ gives baseball pitchers a better grip
Unique mud formula coats and roughens baseballs, boosting control and grip for pitchers