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Polymers news
Sustainable polyurethane production without toxic isocyanate
Chemical compounds like isocyanate are toxic and trigger allergies or asthma. However, they remain indispensable for the chemical industry. They are needed especially in the production of PUR. These plastics are highly versatile ...
Polymers
Feb 2, 2026
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Shining a light on sustainable sulfur-rich polymers that stay recyclable
For the first time, scientists have used ultraviolet (UV) light, a low-cost and readily available energy source, to successfully synthesize more sustainable and recyclable polymer materials. Led by green chemistry experts ...
Polymers
Jan 30, 2026
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New chemi-mechanical process removes pigments and restores properties in recycled plastics
Researchers in Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Department of Chemical Engineering and at the University of Akron have published research in Chemical Engineering Journal about a new technology that seeks to solve long-standing ...
Polymers
Jan 29, 2026
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Biodegradable polymers used to develop eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors
Air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), primarily produced during fossil fuel combustion, pose a serious concern for human health, contributing to respiratory diseases like pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and asthma. Effective ...
Polymers
Jan 29, 2026
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Biodegradable bark–plastic composite lets engineers predict product lifetime from tensile tests
Old trees are learning new tricks with the advent of composite materials. A "green composite" made from biodegradable polymers and the waste bark of the Yakushima Jisugi tree was developed by a research team at Tohoku University. ...
Polymers
Jan 29, 2026
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How smart polymer solutions transition to gels around body temperature
In the world of modern medicine, most people focus on the active pharmaceutical ingredients, which are the chemicals that specifically fight a disease's symptoms or causes. However, the unsung heroes of pharmacy are excipients—substances ...
Biochemistry
Jan 28, 2026
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From fleeting to stable: Scientists uncover recipe for new carbon dioxide-based energetic materials
When materials are compressed, their atoms are forced into unusual arrangements that do not normally exist under everyday conditions. These configurations are often fleeting: when the pressure is released, the atoms typically ...
Polymers
Jan 26, 2026
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New technology converts naturally derived monomers into degradable polymer capsules
Polymer capsules can store functional substances such as drugs and fragrances, making them widely used in functional cosmetics and daily necessities. However, conventional capsules use non-degradable polymers and are difficult ...
Polymers
Jan 15, 2026
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Towards recycling of fiber composites: More sustainable epoxy thanks to phosphorus
Most people are aware that plastic waste is a problem. Almost all types of plastics that we use in our everyday lives are derived from fossil sources. When they end up in the environment, they cause pollution for generations. ...
Polymers
Jan 13, 2026
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When 'no-effect' isn't safe: Safe chemicals turn toxic in combination across generations
Researchers at National Taiwan University reveal that combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and the preservative butylparaben, at a level considered safe on their own, can cause heritable harm, disrupting reproduction ...
Biochemistry
Jan 13, 2026
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Microbubbles can release microplastics into our water
Microbubbles in the tap water you just poured into a plastic glass are strong enough to create tiny abrasions on the inner layer of the plastic—quietly adding to our growing microplastic problem.
Natural hydrogel can make personal hygiene products greener
A natural, superabsorbent material developed at the University of Waterloo could dramatically reduce the environmental impact of personal hygiene products like diapers, menstrual pads and tampons.
Polymers
Jan 8, 2026
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Smart polymers harden on demand with light or gentle heat activation
Chemists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a "smart" polymer that could make industrial curing, 3D printing and repairs simpler, safer and more energy-efficient with materials whose properties may be tuned ...
Polymers
Jan 5, 2026
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Discovery turns household plastic recycling into anti-cancer medication
A discovery led by the University of St Andrews has found a way to turn ordinary household plastic waste into the building block for anti-cancer drugs.
Polymers
Dec 19, 2025
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The perfect polymer? Plant-based plastic is fully saltwater degradable and leaves behind zero microplastics
Researchers led by Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have one-upped themselves in their quest to solve our microplastic problem.
Polymers
Dec 17, 2025
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Cool satellites and flexible electronics: Thin interlayers strengthen flexible composite materials
The picture that pops up before our inner eye when we hear the word "satellite" is probably this: Two extended solar "wings" and a compact body wrapped in foil with a golden or silvery shimmer. Researchers at Empa's Mechanics ...
Polymers
Dec 16, 2025
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Light-driven process forms flexible electrodes on skin, textiles and glass
Visible light can be used to create electrodes from conductive plastics completely without hazardous chemicals. This is shown in a new study carried out by researchers at Linköping and Lund universities, Sweden. The electrodes ...
Polymers
Dec 15, 2025
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Eco-friendly, photo-switchable smart adhesives use biomass-derived materials
Conventional petroleum-based adhesives rely heavily on the petrochemical industry and pose environmental risks due to harmful emissions and limited reusability. In a new study, researchers developed a novel photo-switchable ...
Polymers
Dec 10, 2025
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Turning everyday filter paper into a miniature microfluidic platform with DLP 3D printing
Scientists used a 3D-printing approach to pattern hydrophobic barriers inside hydrophilic filter paper. These barriers, designed in different geometries, guide liquids along precise paths and shape their flow behavior, demonstrating ...
Polymers
Dec 10, 2025
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Used cooking oil yields super strong glue and recyclable plastics
Plastics are made from crude oil and petroleum by-products, so a team of scientists decided to explore if they could turn waste cooking oil into a useful plastic material, and they succeeded.
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