New Catalytic Method Selectively Oxidizes Polyethylene Surfaces
Researchers have developed a catalytic method that selectively oxidizes polyethylene surfaces, adding oxygen-containing chemical groups while leaving the bulk plastic largely intact. The advance, published in Nature, could improve ways to modify, recycle, or upcycle polyethylene, one of the most common and chemically inert plastics. It matters because better surface control could enable stronger adhesives, coatings, and more sustainable plastic processing.
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