Body, heal thyself

By Nina Notman and Kristy Turner2017-06-21T11:21:00

Source: Shutterstock

Exploring the use of biodegradable polymers in orthopedic implants

Polymers make up a core part of the chemistry curriculum for 14–16 year olds. There are already lots of interesting examples to work with in class, like hydrogels and smart polymers. This article adds an excellent cross-curricular stimulus for discussion of issues from polymer synthesis through to properties and disposal. This article includes downloadable worksheets, experiments and other teaching resources.

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