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.
Hitting the swimming pool this summer? Swimwear relies on a range of materials to keep you comfortable and prevent it from breaking down. This edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN looks at what swimsuits are made of, and how a little chemistry knowledge goes a long way when it comes to keeping them in good shape and stopping their materials from fading and stretching.
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.
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 accessories. Visit the C&EN site to view the full graphic.
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.
