Chemical engineering researchers have developed a new catalyst that significantly increases yield in styrene manufacturing,…
Browsing: Plastic
Plastic is a versatile class of synthetic materials made primarily from polymers, which are long chains of molecules derived from petrochemicals or, increasingly, from bio-based sources. Since its widespread adoption in the 20th century, plastic has revolutionized industries from packaging and construction to healthcare and electronics due to its durability, light weight, and low cost. However, its persistence in the environment has also made it a symbol of modern pollution, prompting intense scientific focus on recycling technologies, biodegradable alternatives, and the ecological impact of microplastics. Research into plastic now spans materials science, environmental studies, and public health, reflecting both its utility and its challenges.
Cyanobacteria Could Revolutionize the Plastic Industry Microbiologists at the University of Tübingen modify bacteria to…
New polybutadiene molecule enchains in squares, a microstructure that enables it to depolymerize under certain…
Laundry Fibers Damage Mussels and Threaten Marine Ecosystems Microscopic fibers created during the laundry cycle…
Princeton researchers discovered that microplastics can move much farther through soil than expected. This new…
Salt-Tolerant Bacteria With an Appetite for Sludge Make Biodegradable Plastics Using a bacterial strain found…
Emerging environmental contaminants, both chemicals, and particulates, have been a concern for risk scientists for…
From soda bottles to car bumpers to piping, electronics, and packaging, plastics have become a…
Multilayer plastic materials are ubiquitous in food and medical supply packaging, particularly since layering polymers…
Scientists have identified the highest recorded microplastics ever found on Earth — at an altitude…
Modern life relies closely on plastics, even though the petroleum-based production creates serious environmental challenges.…
A team of leading environmental experts, spearheaded by the University of Nottingham, have warned that…
Stand in the soda pop aisle at the supermarket, surrounded by rows of brightly colored…
Bioplastics may be not produced from oil, but that’s about the only benefit, researchers say.…
The scientists who re-engineered the plastic-eating enzyme PETase have now created an enzyme ‘cocktail’ which…
https://youtu.be/IWvgYGl4dZU Research lays out viable pathway to “break the plastic wave.” A new analysis by…
Solid acids are amongst the most essential heterogeneous catalysts, which have the potential to replace…
New method for producing thermoset plastics allows them to be broken down more easily after…