ScienceLight-activated polymers reportedly yield a waterproof white material
Chemistry World reports that a team in Japan used UV-generated free radicals and a weak solvent to induce polymer foaming, inspired by nature’s light-reflecting nanostructures.
TLDR
Chemistry World describes a nature-inspired method for making a waterproof white material from light-activated polymers. A team in Japan induced polymer foaming using UV-generated free radicals combined with a weak solvent. The approach draws on structural colour—colour arising from how nanostructures reflect light. Researchers say the material could have a range of applications, the outlet reports.
Light-activated polymers reportedly yield a waterproof white material
Chemistry World reports that a team in Japan used UV-generated free radicals and a weak solvent to induce polymer foaming, inspired by nature’s light-reflecting nanostructures.
TLDR
Chemistry World describes a nature-inspired method for making a waterproof white material from light-activated polymers. A team in Japan induced polymer foaming using UV-generated free radicals combined with a weak solvent. The approach draws on structural colour—colour arising from how nanostructures reflect light. Researchers say the material could have a range of applications, the outlet reports.