This Biomaterial Becomes Stronger when Wet
Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia have created a nickel‑linked chitosan material that becomes stronger when wet, achieving nearly a 50 % increase in tensile strength. By incorporating small amounts of nickel ions, the polymer forms water‑bridged networks that redistribute stress rather than weakening. About 87 % of the nickel leaches out during the first immersion, yet the strengthening effect persists, enabling a zero‑waste recycling loop. The team demonstrated square‑meter‑scale sheets and prototype cups, highlighting uses in water‑resistant packaging, agriculture, and coatings.
Turning Europe’s Crisis Into an Opportunity
Bondalti Chemicals is investing $90 million in new electrolyzers, a 30 MW solar farm and a 12 MW battery system while pursuing a $411 million acquisition of Spain’s Ercros. The upgrades aim to cut greenhouse‑gas emissions, reduce electricity consumption and double chlorine capacity to...
Japanese Chemical Firms Pivot From China to India
Japanese chemical giants such as Mitsui Chemicals and Sumitomo Chemical are scaling back their China operations and redirecting capital to India. Investment in China dropped 46% year‑over‑year in 2024, while the number of Japanese sites in India rose to 5,205,...
New Report Confirms Business and Economic Benefits of Using Green Chemistry
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced a $93.4 million, seven‑year Green Chemistry Initiative, the first chemistry‑focused effort in its 25‑year history. A new report, Green Chemistry in America 2026, surveyed 300 R&D leaders and 3,000 consumers, revealing strong industry support for...
EPA Moves to Rescind Much of a 2024 Chemical Safety Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposal to roll back most of the 2024 amendments to its Risk Management Program (RMP) rule, which governs safety at roughly 11,000 chemical manufacturing, storage, and warehousing facilities. The 2024 rule introduced...
ACS Nigeria 11th Annual Symposium Focuses on Emerging Technologies and Chemistry for Sustainable Development
The American Chemical Society Nigeria Chapter hosted its 11th Annual Symposium from Feb. 8‑11 at the University of Ibadan, spotlighting “Emerging Technologies in Chemistry for Sustainable Development.” The event featured international academics and industry leaders, including speakers from Cambridge and Bristol...
Feb. 20 Policy Watch: Trump Orders More Glyphosate and Phosphorus Production
President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act on Feb. 18 to prioritize domestic production of glyphosate‑based herbicides and elemental phosphorus, granting liability protection to Bayer, the sole U.S. phosphorus supplier, amid thousands of cancer lawsuits and an upcoming Supreme Court...
Europe Promises Protection for Chemical Makers
European leaders announced a package of measures to rescue the ailing EU chemical sector at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. The European Commission introduced antidumping duties on imported ABS (5.2%‑21.7%) and BDO (up to 142.5%), targeting South Korean, Taiwanese,...