Articles tagged with Synthetic Polymers
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Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.
A new catalyst developed by Northwestern University chemists can break down Nylon-6, a common plastic found in fishing nets, carpet, and clothing, in just minutes. The process does not generate harmful byproducts and is practical for everyday applications.
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed new semiconductor materials that can harness the power of chirality, a non-superimposable mirror image. The study found that subtle molecular changes can modulate chiral helical assemblies, leading to new optical, electronic, and mechanical properties.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering developed two closely related polymers with different thermal behaviors, one soluble in water at low temperatures and the other insoluble. The polymers' unique properties open potential new applications in medicine and protein synthesis.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.
Researchers have created a new type of conducting polymer with a helically grown structure, which can emit circularly polarized light. The polymer's radicals are arranged in a helical shape and can be aligned into stripe-like structures when exposed to a magnetic field.
Workers cutting, grinding, and polishing artificial-stone slabs for countertops are developing silicosis due to high concentrations of silica and polymer resins. Researchers call for public health measures, including banning the product and improving worker safety.
A team of scientists discovered that ions transfer through polymer membranes in hybrid liquid-gas electrolyzers via diffusion, not electromigration. This finding has significant implications for the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy technologies.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology explore co-polymerization of glycol nucleic acid monomers with dicarboxylic acids to produce branched and linear xeno nucleic acid polymers. These findings suggest that diverse prebiotic organic molecules could have led to population-level differences in abundance of genetic polymers.
Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.
Researchers have developed a method for producing heart valves in just minutes, using focused rotary jet spinning. The valves mimic the extracellular matrix and showed immediate functionality in sheep, with potential for regenerative properties. Long-term studies are needed to test their endurance.
Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.
Researchers developed tendon-mimetic hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties, including excellent Young's modulus and strength, by mixing aramid nanofibers with polyvinyl alcohol. These hydrogels show promising capabilities for tissue repair and implantable medical devices.
Researchers at Leipzig University have increased the efficiency of an enzyme that breaks down PET plastic, which has implications for bioplastics and a more sustainable future. The team used computer simulations and experiments to improve the enzyme's activity and stability.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hybrid hydrogel combining natural squid tissues with synthetic polymers, exhibiting hierarchical anisotropy and toughness.
Scientists created Cyborg Cells by combining synthetic polymer networks with bacterial cells, giving them enhanced stress resistance and ability to invade cancer cells. This breakthrough demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Cyborg Cells for various applications.
Researchers have overcome the low reactivity of biobased secondary diols in polyester synthesis by incorporating an aryl alcohol. This leads to high molecular weight materials with improved mechanical- and thermal properties, outperforming existing plastics like PET.
A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology developed a bio-functional thermogel that prevents retinal scarring in pre-clinical models. The thermogel modulates cellular behavior to prevent scar membrane formation, offering a novel therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
A research team from the University of Bayreuth investigated the progressive degradation of low-density polyethylene in the environment. They found that isolated nanoplastic particles are rare and instead aggregate rapidly to larger colloidal systems, preventing individual nanoparticles from being freely available.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of water filtration membrane that mimics the natural process of morphogenesis. The membranes, made from soft polymers, exhibit complex 3D structures that allow them to efficiently separate pollutants from water.
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a novel 'supermolecular' material that binds to protein drugs, prolongs their effect without impairing activity, and improves overall drug performance. The material, called PEG-PRX, adds polyethylene glycol chains to proteins without compromising biological action.
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Zeon Corporation have developed a new thermoplastic rubber material, i-SIS, with an extremely high tensile toughness of 480 MJ/m³. The material's impact resistance surpasses that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), making it suitable for use in automotive and other industries.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.
Glyscend Therapeutics has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial in Australia investigating an oral polymer therapy that improves glucose homeostasis with weight loss in nonclinical models. The therapy targets mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery and aims to replicate its benefits without the need for surgery.
The EPFL team proposes a nature-inspired approach to recycling plastics by mimicking protein assembly. This method could break down synthetic polymers into different color-coded components, similar to proteins in nature. By applying this concept, the researchers aim to develop a sustainable circular economy for plastic recycling.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
Researchers synthesized a new conjugated polymer using two chemical reactions, showing it outperforms traditional methods in organic and perovskite solar cells. The Stille reaction pathway yielded superior results with efficiencies of up to 15.1% in photovoltaic devices.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.
A team of researchers has developed a method to produce nylon 6-6 without using the environmentally endangered element zinc. They achieved this by using alternative metals such as iron and cobalt, and harnessing the power of solar energy. The new process reduces energy consumption, saves water, and minimizes hazardous chemicals.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method to study conjugated polymers, allowing them to measure individual molecules' mechanical and kinetic properties. This breakthrough could enable the creation of more flexible and robust soft electronic materials.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology and Ghent University have developed a green light-stabilised 3D polymer structure that folds itself when exposed to light and unfolds when left in the dark. This process consumes light as fuel, mimicking the way proteins function in living organisms.
Researchers created a stress-detecting polymer by incorporating copper complexes into polybutylacrylate, shining brighter when stretched. The copper complexes emit light at greater intensity, enabling the detection of small amounts of stress.
Researchers have developed a process to create synthetic polymers with precision of biology, enabling the production of advanced materials such as nanoelectronics, self-healing materials, and fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved personal protective gear and sophisticated electronics for Soldiers.
Researchers at TU Dresden and Ulm University developed a new synthetic route to create crystalline 2D polymers with defined structures. The 2D polymers have promising properties for electronic components and systems, including superior charge transport and chemiresistivity.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new synthesis process for S-PPVs, promising polymers for various applications. The process uses inexpensive base materials and can be scaled up for industrial quantities, making them suitable for commercial use.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a process to create high-performance materials with consistent properties. By controlling reactions, they achieved narrow molecular weight distributions and regular cross-linking, leading to responsive and stable gel networks.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method to synthesise hundreds of polymers for potential antibacterial applications. The method enables rapid screening of large libraries of polymers, leading to the identification of new antimicrobials that inhibit bacteria growth rather than breaking their membranes.
A new study reveals that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates, marking an advancement in fundamental polymer physics. The findings will provide a better understanding of the physical properties of polymeric materials and individual polymer molecule behavior under high-stress processing conditions.
The study introduces a method for controlling polymer structure and function by utilizing electrostatic charge, allowing for the creation of smart materials with diverse applications. By tuning the sequence of charges along polymer chains, researchers can engineer desired properties and expand the diversity of polymers used.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a novel synthetic method to create chiral polymers containing cinchona sulfonamide repeating units. These polymers showed high catalytic activity in asymmetric reactions, enabling the enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new bio-ink containing stem cells that can be printed using 3D technology. The bio-ink allows for the creation of complex living tissue structures with microscopic pores, providing effective nutrient access for stem cells.
Scientists create synthetic polymers that decompose without harsh elements, opening doors for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. Preliminary testing shows growth and depolymerization of straight and branched polymers are possible in water and extracellular matrix.
Berkeley Lab scientists discover a family of nature-inspired polymers that spontaneously assemble into hollow crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes have uniform diameters and can be tuned for specific functions, opening up new possibilities for filtration, desalination, and more.
ASU researchers are developing artificial genetic polymers composed of threose nucleic acid (TNA) to address emerging health and defense threats. The team plans to search large combinatorial pools for TNA molecules with desired functional properties.
Researchers have discovered that polymers can disrupt the way bacteria communicate with each other, leading to unexpected clustering behaviors. This finding has significant implications for the design of materials as antimicrobials, bioprocessing, and synthetic biology.
Researchers have created synthetic receptors that mimic biological nicotine receptors, showing promise in clinical detection and treatment therapies for nicotine addiction. The new molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) demonstrate high selectivity and effectiveness across a wide pH range.
Researchers at MIT develop approach to print synthetic materials with fracture behavior similar to natural bone, using computer-optimized designs and 3-D printing. The new material exhibits a fracture resistance of up to 22 times larger than its strongest constituent material.
Researchers imitated sea sponge skeleton to produce highly flexible synthetic spicules, exhibiting rubber-like flexibility and resistance to fracture. The new material has potential applications in body armor and other fields.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a synthetic version of sandcastle worm glue, which has shown promise in repairing shattered bone fragments. The glue performs 37% as well as commercial superglue in lab tests and may be used to align small bone fragments in joints and the face before they heal.
National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.