(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 ...

Chemists can now precisely control the stereochemical sequence of synthetic polymers using similar techniques to those used ...

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 ...

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.

Synthetic polymers have been on the planet for only about a century. But because of their strength, light weight, convenience, and low cost compared with other materials, these plastics have captured ...

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 ...

Rutgers scientists have developed plastics that can be programmed to break down at specific rates by drawing on a natural principle. Their approach could provide a meaningful new way to tackle the ...

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 ...

Scientists developing new biomaterials often try to mimic the body's natural proteins, but a chemist shows that simpler polymers -- based on a handful of plastic building blocks -- also work well.