The remaining is a mixture of recycled plastics and other polymers.

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In Chattanooga, Tenn. the industry includes something very different: ESpin Technologies, a 19-employee outfit that makes nanofibers--filaments of polyester, nylon or other polymers that are only 20 to 200 nanometers wide.

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Belcher's colleague Paula Hammond, an expert in making highly ordered, self-assembling polymers and other materials, created a pattern of tiny posts, onto which the researchers deposited several layers of polymers that act as the battery's electrolyte.

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And, while antimicrobials are high on the list of potential applications for these polymers, there are other healthcare applications as well.

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The other two divisions in question are chemicals and a new polymers division formed by merging Bayer's existing rubber, plastics, polyurethanes, and coatings and colorants business groups.

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