The Men’s football World Cup final is taking place this weekend. While it sadly won’t be coming home, one team will take home the coveted World Cup – or, at least, a copy of it. In the latest edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN, we take a look at the materials that make up the two separate trophies that have been awarded to the World Cup winners. See the full graphic on the C&EN site.
If you’ve been enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon over the past two weeks, chemistry probably didn’t cross your mind as you watched the players slogging the ball back and forth. However, a lot of science and honed materials go into both the rackets and balls used during each game, set and match. This graphic examines the key substances used and how they’ve changed over time.
The 2026 World Cup is up and running, but not without its share of controversy. It’s setting a number of unwelcome firsts: the first time a World Cup referee has been barred from a host nation, and the first time a host nation is at war with one of the participating countries. However, some slightly more welcome firsts come in the shape of the materials science behind the World Cup ball, the Trionda.
As the Winter Olympics draw to a close, what are the medals that the top athletes will be taking home made of? This graphic takes a look and also highlights the values of each medal.
Rubber ducks: made from rubber, right? Wrong! This infographic examines the chemical history of a rubber duck, from its origins using genuine rubber in the 1800s to its modern incarnation, made possible by polymers and plasticisers.
Flame retardants added to fabrics slow or prevent the burning of the materials. In the latest edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN, we look at how flame retardants work and the different types manufacturers use, as well as some of the environmental and health issues surrounding their use. View the full graphic on the C&EN site here.
