A Nature paper published October 13 uses 0.001 mol% iron catalyst below 80°C to convert surface methylene units to ketones. The treated material adhered to polar surfaces up to 90 times more strongly than pristine polyethylene while retaining bulk melting temperature and tensile strength. Commercial scale and environmental benefit remain unproved. Nature
Polyethylene can be changed at the surface without rewriting the bulk material
A Nature paper published October 13 uses 0.001 mol% iron catalyst below 80°C to convert surface methylene units to ketones.
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Link to noteOriginally published 14 October 2026. Reporting, forecasts, prices, odds and event availability reflect the original edition.
Sources & further reading
- Nature nature.com