Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #chemistry
Most recents (2)
(1/14) So this is going to be my first true long post to Twitter and I am also covering the debate surrounding the banning of plastic straws. As such, I am rather nervous and I can only hope that this turns out alright! #StrawBan
(2/14) I want to focus on an alternative material used in drinking straws. This material is chitosan, which is also sold under the name of “REPA” amongst others. Chitosan is a biodegradable polymer made from renewable materials used to make flexible straws. #StrawBan
(3/14) Firstly, I shall cover the science. Chitosan is a modified form of chitin. Chitin is taken from renewable sources and deacetylated. This typically occurs through treating it with sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution. #Chemistry #MaterialsScience 
Ok, this story bothered me. Celebrities and the uber-rich should not be buying animals they can't care for, and people should not sell sharks either. It's important to remember that sharks, and most saltwater #aquarium fish, are taken from the ocean...
wsj.com/articles/home-…
wsj.com/articles/home-…
...unlike most freshwater fish in #aquariums. Because the sharks are captured, they suffer from extreme stress and injury. They'll rarely acclimate to the aquarium. Many of the aquariums shown in the article look awesome but aren't designed to offer the fish a good environment...
... If you wish to have an aquarium, buy farm-raised fish and begin the process with a focus on keeping the animals, and yourself, safe. Don't begin with a tiny aquarium either. Little tanks have more volatile #chemistry and temperature. Start with 30 or 40 gallons. Also...
