Categories
Materials Chemistry

The chemistry of a football shirt – World Cup 2022 final

With the World Cup final taking place over the coming weekend, here’s an updated graphic on the chemistry of a football shirt, looking at the different polymer materials that are used in their manufacture.

Categories
C&EN Materials Chemistry

The materials science of cycling – in C&EN

May was National Bike Month, and at the end of June this year’s Tour de France kicks off, so what better time to look at the materials science of cycling? This month’s edition of Periodic Graphics in Chemical & Engineering News looks at the various alloys and polymers used to make bike frames, tires, and […]

Categories
Materials Chemistry

The chemistry of the World Cup

The 2018 World Cup kicks off today! Here’s some of the chemistry you can look out for over the next month; polymers make up the ball and the shirts, and chemistry also has a part to play in the vanishing spray that referees will be using during the games. 

Categories
Materials Chemistry

What are Lego bricks made of, and why is treading on them so painful?

Lego is one of the most popular and instantly recognisable childhood toys out there. Have you ever wondered what those bricks are made of, or how they’re made? Or, for that matter, why it hurts so much if you tread on one? This graphic takes a look!

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Chemistry History Materials Chemistry

Today in Chemistry History – Stephanie Kwolek and Kevlar

Today marks the date of birth of Stephanie Kwolek, the US chemist who discovered the widely used polymer Kevlar. She also developed the nylon rope trick, in which nylon can be produced in a beaker at room temperature – a demonstration which is still used in classrooms today. In addition to this she is the […]

Categories
Materials Chemistry

How Chemistry Can Make Your Ironing Easier

Ever wondered why your clothes crease after being washed, or why some crease more than others? I collaborated with Professor Mark Lorch from the University of Hull to make this graphic, which takes a look at the answers to these questions! It accompanies a piece by Mark in The Conversation, which is reproduced below.