The method used to attach the polyethylenimines to materials is also well known the bonding agent benzophenone has already been used to attach the anti-microbial agent to glass, polymer, paper, and metal.

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Pioneered by Australia in 1988, polymer notes have several advantages over paper ones.

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Canada will soon join a growing list of countries that use a polymer-based plastic instead of paper for its cash.

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Some of these countries have used polymer only for commemorative bills: these include China, where paper money was first used in the seventh century, and Brazil, where an experiment with plastic in 2000 proved unpopular.

ECONOMIST: The rising popularity of plastic payment, in all its forms

Polymer banknotes are printed on a non-porous plastic film, making them more durable than traditional rag-based paper bills.

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