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Polymers news
A type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering
A team of molecular engineers have developed a type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering. In their paper published in the journal Science the team, from the University of Chicago, with a colleagues from the ...
Innovative portable sensors for hydrogen peroxide detection
In a study published in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering, researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) have unveiled a breakthrough in the detection of hydrogen peroxide H2O2, a vital biomarker in ...
Polymers
Feb 1, 2024
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Scientists find a close-loop recycling process for one of the most widely used plastics
A pioneering development enables the targeted replication of the chemical structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a plastic that has been difficult to imitate until now, and shows great potential for sustainable alternatives ...
Polymers
Jan 31, 2024
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Some plastic straws degrade more quickly than others, new study shows
Straws are one of the most common plastic waste products found on coastlines. As more and more plastic products are being produced, consumed, and disposed of, scientists and manufacturers are developing alternative materials ...
Polymers
Jan 30, 2024
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An enzyme used in laundry detergent can recycle single-use plastics within 24 hours
Scientists at King's College London have developed an innovative solution for recycling single-use bioplastics commonly used in disposable items such as coffee cups and food containers.
Biochemistry
Jan 29, 2024
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Revolutionizing plastics: Upcycling agricultural waste boosts performance and sustainability
Researchers from Thailand have pioneered the conversion of waste HDPE milk bottles into high-stiffness composites, using PALF reinforcement for a 162% increase in flexural strength and 204% in modulus. This eco-friendly upcycling ...
Polymers
Jan 26, 2024
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Bioinspired hydrogel pattern enhances atmospheric water harvesting via directional droplet steering
The water in the air originates from both natural and forced evaporation, with condensation being the final and crucial step in water harvesting. Condensation involves nucleation, growth, and shedding of water droplets, which ...
Polymers
Jan 26, 2024
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Scientists increase the solubility of an effective antidepressant by a factor of 1,600
The anti-anxiety drug diazepam causes side effects: drowsiness, confusion, and nausea. The same applies to the antidepressant amitriptyline. A possible solution to the problem could be a new compound, GML-3. It simultaneously ...
Biochemistry
Jan 22, 2024
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Scientists solve long-standing block copolymer research conundrum through polymer chain end modifications
Plumber's nightmare structure presents itself as an assemblage where all exits seem to converge inward—a plumber's nightmare but an anticipated uniqueness for researchers, suggesting distinctive traits divergent from traditional ...
Polymers
Jan 22, 2024
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Creating a new, sustainable plastic using physics
For the past three years, Ph.D. candidate Sophie van Lange has been dedicated to one clear goal: producing plastic that is both hard and sustainable. The plastics we use today are either recyclable or strong and hard—not ...
Polymers
Jan 19, 2024
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Concrete made stronger and more durable with resin
Engineering structures made of concrete, steel, or other materials are subject to vibrations and stress. Because of this, small cracks appear, which grow and eventually lead to destruction. This phenomenon is called "fatigue ...
Polymers
Jan 16, 2024
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Scientists open door to achieving high-precision 'slippery structural hydrogel'
Hydrogels inevitably undergo dehydration, structural collapse, and shrinkage deformation due to the uninterrupted evaporation in the atmosphere, thereby losing their flexibility, slipperyness, and manufacturing precision.
Polymers
Jan 16, 2024
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Going beyond plastic: Tara gum as a green polymer
Synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution and have prompted rising interest in sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural polymers. "Tara gum," derived from the seeds ...
Polymers
Jan 15, 2024
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Food-grade encapsulated photocatalyst materials for clean, green hydrogen generation
Environmental pollution and affordable clean energy are the two major sustainable development goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. All countries set their goals for decarbonization by the year 2050 and ...
Molecularly designing polymer networks to control sound damping
The world is filled with myriad sounds and vibrations—the gentle tones of a piano drifting down the hall, the relaxing purr of a cat laying on your chest, the annoying hum of the office lights. Imagine being able to selectively ...
Polymers
Jan 11, 2024
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Moisture-resistant hairstyling agent: Development of a humidity-induced shape memory polymeric material
NIMS and Nihon L'Oréal K.K. have developed a shape memory polymeric material responsive to humidity. This innovative material, when applied to a person's hair and allowed to dry, serves as an exceptionally moisture-resistant ...
Polymers
Jan 11, 2024
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Researchers discover eco-friendly fungicide alternative
A material that could replace current fungicides (i.e., anti-fungal pesticides), increase food security, and help protect wildlife has been discovered.
Biochemistry
Jan 9, 2024
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Novel chemical recycling system for vinyl polymers of cyclic styrene derivatives
Chemical recycling of widely used vinyl polymers (VPs) is one of the key technologies required for realizing a sustainable society. In this regard, a team of researchers from Shinshu University have recently reported a new ...
Polymers
Jan 9, 2024
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Ant behavior inspires autonomous material assembly research
The survival strategies employed by one of the most aggressive, territorial and venomous ant species may pave the way to revolutionize robotics, medicine and engineering.
Polymers
Jan 5, 2024
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Examining how fiber content affects mechanical properties in flax and pineapple leaf fiber-reinforced plastic composites
A new study has compared the reinforcing efficiency of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber in poly(butylene succinate) composites. PALF, a less explored but potentially sustainable alternative, outperformed ...
Polymers
Dec 27, 2023
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Other news
Tracing the evolution of sign languages using computer modeling
Team discovers mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression
Alpine ibex becoming more nocturnal as temperatures rise
Fooled: Herbivorous animals 'led by the nose' to leave plants alone
A physical qubit with built-in error correction
How talin protein maintains intercellular connection while transmitting force
Scientists successfully simulate protein complex that initiates fertilization
Shake, rattle and launch: Dream Chaser spaceplane passes vibration test
Team develops a laser printer for photonic chips
