Polymers

Scientists have devised a way to produce recyclable and stable polymers from cellulose, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This development opens up new possibilities in the production of environmentally friendly materials. Above is a transparent film made from the new recyclable polymer developed in this study. Credit: Feng LiCellulose, widely sourced from plant matter, can be transformed into molecules for the creation of a novel category of recyclable polymers, offering a sustainable…

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.Coastal Animals Are Thriving on Plastic Pollution Out in the Pacific Ocean | Extreme EarthLast month, Democratic New York City Council Member James Gennaro introduced a bill that would change the way countless New Yorkers do their laundry — by banning laundry detergent pods.More specifically, the bill — dubbed “Pods Are Plastic” — proposed a ban on dishwashing and laundry detergent pods coated in polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA, a type of…

Researchers at POSTECH have successfully created the complex “plumber’s nightmare” structure in block copolymers, a groundbreaking achievement that paves the way for new applications in nano-technology and material science. This discovery demonstrates the potential for crafting diverse polymer nanostructures with tailored properties. (Artist’s concept). Credit: SciTechDailyPlumber’s nightmare structure presents itself as an assemblage where all exits seem to converge inward—a plumber’s nightmare but an anticipated…

Researchers have found a new way to boost the body’s defense against neurodegenerative diseases by preventing the degradation of Nrf2, potentially slowing the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA groundbreaking study introduces a new method of targeting ‘undruggable’ proteins to fight neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses, offering new hope for treatment advancements.Researchers led by Northwestern University and the University of…

Scientists have created a method to transform plastic waste into biodegradable spider silk using bacteria, providing an innovative and sustainable approach to tackling plastic pollution. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comFor the first time, researchers have used bacteria to “upcycle” waste polyethylene.Move over Spider-Man: Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a strain of bacteria that can turn plastic waste into a biodegradable spider silk with multiple uses.Transforming Plastic Into…

Rice University materials scientists developed a fast, low-cost, scalable method to make covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Credit: Photo by Gustavo Raskosky/Rice UniversityResearchers at Rice University create covalent organic framework films through vapor deposition.Materials scientists at Rice University have created an efficient, affordable, and scalable technique for producing covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These crystalline polymers are notable for their adjustable molecular structure, extensive surface area,…

Scientists have developed CREATS, a novel technique for sequencing synthetic polymers, revolutionizing the understanding of how monomer arrangement influences material properties and enabling the design of polymers for specific applications. Credit: SciTechDaily.comSynthetic polymers, which are ubiquitous in modern life, include materials such as nylon and polyester fabrics, Teflon-coated cookware, and epoxy adhesives. On a molecular scale, these polymers consist of lengthy chains of monomers, the complexity of these…

By Shana K. Hutchins, Texas A&M University December 27, 2023Scientists have developed a novel family of polymers that effectively kills bacteria, including E. coli and MRSA, without causing antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough, involving multidisciplinary collaboration, marks a significant step in addressing the public health threat posed by superbugs. Credit: SciTechDaily.comDr. Quentin Michaudel and his research team have created a new family of polymers capable of killing bacteria without inducing antibiotic…

Superabsorbers become liquid under UV light after they have taken up sufficient water. Then, they can be reused. Credit: Ken Pekarsky, KIT Water and UV radiation effectively and swiftly break down the crosslinked polymers in diaper liners without the use of any chemicals. This process allows the recycled plastic molecules to be repurposed for diverse applications. Superabsorbent materials, like sodium polyacrylate, are key components in various hygiene and medical products, including diapers, bandages, and dressing…

Researchers at the University of Illinois have advanced our understanding of semiconductor materials by exploring chirality. Their study, led by Professor Ying Diao, delved into modifying non-chiral polymers to produce chiral structures. This research has implications for developing innovative technologies and highlights the complexities and potential of chiral materials.A new study led by chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign brings fresh insight into the development of semiconductor materials that can…