Degradable polyethylene plastics from the nonalternating terpolymerization of ethylene, CO, and polar monomers
In a study published in the journal National Science Review and led by Dr. Zhongbao Jian (State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, CAS), E/CO/PM terpolymerizations were carried out with seven p.....»»
Pollen diaries: Polar ice records preserve climate vs. human impact following Little Ice Age
Pollen can help scientists track changes in vegetation through time, as they respond to moderations of the climate, be that glaciation or deglaciation with transitions into and out of ice ages. Furthermore, it can help elucidate the interplay between.....»»
Revolutionizing plastics: Upcycling agricultural waste boosts performance and sustainability
Researchers from Thailand have pioneered the conversion of waste HDPE milk bottles into high-stiffness composites, using PALF reinforcement for a 162% increase in flexural strength and 204% in modulus. This eco-friendly upcycling boosts mechanical pr.....»»
Glacier melting destroys important climate data archive
As part of the Ice Memory initiative, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) researchers, with colleagues from the University of Fribourg and Ca' Foscari University of Venice as well as the Institute of Polar Sciences of the Italian National Research Council.....»»
Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern
From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city......»»
Nigeria"s polluted economic hub Lagos bans styrofoam, plastics
Nigeria's Lagos State, which includes the country's sprawling economic capital of more than 20 million people, has announced a ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics to curb pollution......»»
Why the Polar Vortex Is Bad for Balloon Artists
Leave a balloon out in the cold and it’ll shrink and look pathetic. Sorry, but that’s the law—the ideal gas law......»»
I CNC’D This Lamp Out Of Cherry And I Love It
About a year ago had some scrap cherry sitting around and really wanted to find a way to show off the warm tones of the wood in a lamp. I get so sick of the hard metals or plastics so common in lighting and wanted something that really just exuded t.....»»
Dangerous chemicals found in recycled plastics, making them unsafe for use. Experts explain the hazards
Plastic pollution is a menace worldwide. Plastics are now found in every environment on the planet, from the deepest seas to the atmosphere and human bodies......»»
The pros and cons of oxygen mediating the performance of nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane
Catalysis is one of the key technologies in the chemical industry and has a wide-reaching impact on various aspects of our daily lives, including plastics manufacturing, drug synthesis, and production of both fertilizers and fuels. It is estimated th.....»»
Researchers realize ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over single-atom catalyst
Ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction is the key process in the alpha-route to produce methyl methacrylate industrially. This approach has the advantages of using widely available raw materials, having high atomic efficiency as well as high selectiv.....»»
First polar bear to die of bird flu: What are the implications?
Climate change is a threat to polar bear's survival. Now they have a new deadly challenge facing them: bird flu. It was recently confirmed that a polar bear from northern Alaska has died from the disease......»»
Going beyond plastic: Tara gum as a green polymer
Synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution and have prompted rising interest in sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural polymers. "Tara gum," derived from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesal.....»»
Core-shell "chemical looping" boosts efficiency of greener approach to ethylene production
Ethylene is sometimes called the most important chemical in the petrochemical industry because it serves as the feedstock for a huge range of everyday products. It's used to produce antifreeze, vinyl, synthetic rubber, foam insulation, and plastics o.....»»
The first assessment of toxic heavy metal pollution in the Southern Hemisphere over the last 2,000 years
Human activity, from burning fossil fuels and fireplaces to the contaminated dust produced by mining, alters Earth's atmosphere in countless ways. Records of these impacts over time are preserved in everlasting polar ice that serves as a sort of time.....»»
Researchers explore the impact of microplastics and toxin exposure on goldfish
The presence of plastics in our oceans and waterbodies is one of the most significant threats to marine ecosystems. In 2022, plastic production exceeded 400 million tons globally, which continues to rise. The presence of microplastics, ranging in siz.....»»
When polar bears hunt snow geese, hunger justifies the means
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) take advantage of the winter to build up their fat reserves. Intensive hunting of seals, a resource rich in fat, allows bears to store up enough energy to get through the summer......»»
Precision coating boosts nanomedicine
A study published in the International Journal of Nanotechnology has looked at the controlled synthesis and coating of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), specifically using oleic acid (OA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These two well-studied polymers ca.....»»
Hyundai aims for hydrogen systems, from production to vehicles
At CES 2024, Hyundai discusses AI and ‘software-defined everything' for future that includes hydrogen from plastics and animal waste......»»
Bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of previously uncounted tiny plastic bits, study finds
In recent years, there has been rising concern that tiny particles known as microplastics are showing up basically everywhere on Earth, from polar ice to soil, drinking water and food. Formed when plastics break down into progressively smaller bits,.....»»
Uncovering how tiny plastics threaten our soil and health
In a study published online in Eco-Environment & Health, researchers from Zhejiang Shuren University and China Agricultural University have delved into the interaction of tiny plastics and soil, aiming to provide insights into the mechanisms and impl.....»»