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Polymers news

LAHB: New bioplastic can lose 80% of its mass after 13 months
Researchers have demonstrated a new eco-friendly plastic that decomposes in deep ocean conditions. In a deep-sea experiment, the microbially synthesized poly(d-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (LAHB) biodegraded, while conventional ...
Polymers
Jul 22, 2025
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Solvent selection tool boosts thermoelectric devices
Organic thermoelectric devices (OTEs) convert waste heat into useful electric power, but they are not yet efficient enough for practical use. KAUST researchers have now developed a tool that predicts the best solvent to use ...
Polymers
Jul 21, 2025
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Glowing under pressure: Hinge-like mechanophores for smarter polymeric materials
In a step toward smarter materials, researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo collaborated with researchers from Switzerland to develop a smart hinge-like molecule that can indicate mechanical stress in polymeric materials ...
Polymers
Jul 18, 2025
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Heat and smart mixing boost enzymatic recycling of unsortable polyester plastics
Polyester plastics, commonly found in synthetic textiles and plastic components of home appliances, are notoriously difficult to recycle. In a study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, ...

Researchers develop breakthrough heat-conductive plastic to help prevent advanced electronics from overheating
Anyone who's left their cellphone in a hot car knows electronics can shut down when they overheat.
Polymers
Jul 14, 2025
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Researchers investigate next-generation polymer blends that may aid in development of safer batteries
A new study led by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers investigating precision polymer blends revealed critical insights that could accelerate the development of advanced materials for batteries, membranes and energy ...
Polymers
Jul 14, 2025
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Muscle-like gel polymer gets stronger with a new recipe
A new recipe, or design guidelines, for a self-strengthening muscle-like hydrogel has been developed through strategic integration of computational, information, and experimental research. The resulting gel exhibits rapid ...
Polymers
Jul 11, 2025
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Retarding corrosion of a magnesium alloy using a polymer coating in dynamic electrolyte flow conditions
Imagine going through a surgery where the doctor proposes the use of a temporary implant that dissolves by itself with time in the human body, thereby avoiding a painful second surgery. As great as that would sound, the challenges ...

AI system decode polymer–solvent interactions for materials discovery
A study published in npj Computational Materials presents a new AI system that uses computer vision and language processing to interpret complex polymer–solvent interactions such as swelling, gelation and dispersion from ...
Polymers
Jul 10, 2025
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Eco-friendly plastic offers flexible electronic properties without 'forever chemicals'
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed an environmentally safer type of plastic that can be used for wearable electronics, sensors and other electrical applications. The material, a so-called ferroelectric ...
Polymers
Jul 3, 2025
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New protein-based system streamlines enzyme reuse for plastic recycling
Enzymatic recycling has gained traction in recent years as a greener alternative to traditional plastic recycling techniques, which often rely on energy-intensive mechanical or chemical processes. Enzymes can selectively ...
Biochemistry
Jul 2, 2025
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Catalytic process can transform natural polymer into customizable biodegradable plastics
A new study led by Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Eugene Chen outlines a path to creating advanced, recyclable plastics. Published in Nature, the study describes a breakthrough method for upconverting a ...
Polymers
Jul 2, 2025
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Algorithm offers unprecedented insight into copolymer block-length distributions
Analytical chemistry researchers at the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) have developed a novel algorithm that significantly improves the analysis of copolymers. It allows the ...
Polymers
Jul 2, 2025
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Polymer-protected DNA sensors enable two-month storage for 50-cent disease diagnostics
Using an inexpensive electrode coated with DNA, MIT researchers have designed disposable diagnostics that could be adapted to detect a variety of diseases, including cancer or infectious diseases such as influenza and HIV.
Biochemistry
Jul 1, 2025
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Developing compostable, single-use tableware
Many single-use plastic products have been banned in the EU since July 3, 2021, so they can no longer be produced or marketed. However, more eco-friendly reusable solutions are not a feasible alternative for all areas of ...
Biochemistry
Jul 1, 2025
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In-line NMR guides orthogonal transformation of real-life plastics
The accumulation of plastic waste worldwide poses a serious threat to wildlife and ecosystems. Catalytic processes that convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals and fuels offer a promising solution. However, real-life ...
Polymers
Jun 26, 2025
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Enzyme-based plastics recycling at an industrial scale could be cost-effective, analysis finds
A successful collaboration involving a trio of research institutions has yielded a roadmap toward an economically viable process for using enzymes to recycle plastics.
Polymers
Jun 25, 2025
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Hot acetic acid enables full recycling of carbon fiber composite materials
Deconstructing epoxy resins with hot acetic acid has the potential to provide a scalable and affordable solution for recycling a material used in a range of high-value consumer products, according to new research published ...
Polymers
Jun 25, 2025
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Two-step system makes plastic from carbon dioxide, water and electricity
What if a machine could suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, run it through a series of chemical reactions, and essentially spit out industrially useful plastic?
Polymers
Jun 24, 2025
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Model tackles key obstacle to efficient plastic recycling at molecular and reactor scales
Most people who separate their plastic waste for recycling assume the bulk of it will in fact be recycled. But current recycling methods, which "require sorting, grinding, cleaning, remelting and extrusion to obtain plastic ...
Polymers
Jun 24, 2025
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