(Nanowerk News) Most life on Earth is based on polymers of 20 amino acids that have evolved into hundreds of thousands of different, highly specialized proteins. They catalyze reactions, form backbone ...

Researchers have developed a new method to image polymerization catalysis reactions one monomer at a time. Synthetic polymers are everywhere in our society -- from nylon and polyester clothing to ...

Designing plastics that can be broken down easily after their use phase have often required a trade-off between stability and ...

With this in mind, it has become crucial to investigate flame retardants for plastics. The goal is to improve the material's resistance to fire and reduce the heat release and flame spreading speed.

Recent advances in synthetic polypeptide and polymer chemistry have transformed the landscape of biomaterials by combining the precision of organic synthesis with the versatile functionalities of ...

Illinois professor Ying Diao led a multi-institutional study that positions synthetic polymers as a potential alternative to expensive, unsustainable minerals for use in semiconductors and other ...

To combat the alarming rise in plastic pollution worldwide, researchers have developed a synthetic microorganism ecosystem that works collectively to upcycle plastics into desired chemicals. Instead ...

Today, most companies’ gum base is a proprietary blend of synthetic and natural ingredients: If a packet lists “gum base” as an ingredient, that gum most likely contains synthetic polymers. The FDA ...