The Polymerist

The Polymerist explores the intersection of chemistry, industry, and sustainability, focusing on challenges and innovations in bioplastic development, chemical industry dynamics, and environmental impacts. It covers biochemical feedstocks, tech and chemical industry trends, and the role of science in advancing sustainable materials and practices.

Chemical Industry Trends Sustainable Materials and Practices Bioplastic Development Environmental Impact of Chemicals Innovation in Chemistry Commercialization of Chemical Products Chemical Industry Regulations Renewable Energy and Storage

The hottest Substack posts of The Polymerist

And their main takeaways

Deep Dive into DuPont

182 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Chemicals Innovation Financial Performance Corporate strategy Mergers & Acquisitions
  1. DuPont started as a company selling explosives before pivoting to synthetic polymer chemistry in the 1920s, leading to significant innovations like Nylon and Teflon.
  2. Chemours was spun off from DuPont due to the controversy around environmental issues related to Teflon, resulting in significant legal liabilities.
  3. Despite its reputation as a specialty chemicals company, DuPont's financial reports show challenges in generating high profits, possibly due to a focus on commoditized products and significant settlements.
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How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the Chemical Industry

116 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Management R&D
  1. Companies in the chemical industry can benefit from AI tools to improve efficiency and profitability.
  2. AI tools are becoming more accessible for functions like customer relationship management, inventory management, and data organization.
  3. While AI won't replace R&D functions, it can significantly enhance productivity and help companies stay competitive in specialized chemical sectors.

The Last 3 Years

215 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🔬 Science Plastics Start-ups Regulation Innovation
  1. Transition from crude oil in the chemical industry is a complex challenge.
  2. Plastics waste poses a significant problem that requires innovative solutions.
  3. Start-ups in the industry face hurdles in product commercialization and regulation.

Bioeconomy Basics

265 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🔬 Science Chemicals
  1. Crude oil is essentially old biomass with reduced oxygen, yielding aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
  2. Abundant alternative feedstocks include cellulose, chitin, and lignin, offering potential for bioeconomy.
  3. Challenges in utilizing cellulose and lignin involve cost-effective isolation of sugars and efficient depolymerization for various applications.

Train Derailment

249 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🔬 Science Chemicals Regulation Safety Environment Economy
  1. Train derailments involving hazardous chemicals occur frequently and pose significant risks to communities.
  2. Enforcement of regulations by agencies like the EPA and DOT is crucial for preventing future incidents.
  3. Long-term solutions to reduce these incidents may require shifting towards safer, more sustainable practices in the chemical industry.

Making Money From Lignin

215 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biotechnology Materials Enzymes
  1. Lignin can be a valuable source of aromatic structures for creating synthetic polymers and other materials.
  2. MetGen's enzyme-based technology allows for efficient depolymerization and refining of lignin in alkaline conditions.
  3. MetGen's advancements in lignin processing could make it a viable alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks for creating chemicals and materials.

A Hurdle for New Biobased Plastics

215 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🔬 Science Plastics Chemistry Sustainability Performance
  1. Creating biobased plastics that are both affordable and perform well is a major challenge.
  2. Price, performance, and convincing consumers are the three main hurdles to overcome in promoting biobased plastics.
  3. The success of biobased plastics hinges on their ability to compete with traditional plastics in terms of cost and performance, while also gaining consumer acceptance.

Lack Of Stability

166 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Mergers & Acquisitions Innovation Market Trends
  1. The chemical industry lacks stability due to frequent mergers and acquisitions.
  2. Employees in the chemical industry often face job insecurity and precarity.
  3. Investing in start-ups to disrupt the chemical industry could be a way for individuals to find stability and succeed.

Assembly Line of Enzymes

132 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biology Technology Environment Research
  1. Enzyme immobilization can reduce costs and increase accessibility of technology for commodity chemicals
  2. Cascade Biocatalysts technology offers better thermal stability, more reuse, and higher activity compared to conventional methods
  3. Immobilized enzymes can pave the way for a shift towards environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthetic processes in various industries

To Recycle A Shoe

116 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Recycling Sustainability
  1. Dow's recycling program for shoes might not be as effective as it seems.
  2. Modern athletic shoes are complex to recycle due to specialized glue used in construction.
  3. The challenges of recycling highlight the need for sustainable material selection and consumer behavior changes.

My Predictions for 2023

83 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
  1. There are predictions of a recession in the chemical industry for 2023.
  2. Expect to see more consolidation among large chemical companies in 2023.
  3. Start-ups focusing on innovation may bring significant changes to the chemical industry.

Better Batteries With Bodi

1 HN point • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Energy Materials Innovation Research Manufacturing
  1. Innovations in battery separators are crucial for energy storage technology to scale and meet the demand for renewable energy generation.
  2. Current lithium ion battery design faces safety issues like fires, and there is a need for better materials like thermally stable and flame retardant polymers.
  3. Companies like Bodi Energy are developing novel battery separators using polyimide fibers with unique ceramics to enhance safety, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity.