Scientists develop non-stick chewing gum

Scientists have developed a non-stick chewing gum that can be easily removed from pavements, shoes and clothes.

The new gum, the result of polymer research at the University of Bristol, could be launched commercially in 2008, its developers said on Friday.

If it catches on, the product will solve a major headache for local authorities around the world.

"The advantage of our Clean Gum is that it has a great taste, it is easy to remove and has the potential to be environmentally degradable," said Terence Cosgrove, a professor of chemistry who helped found a company called Revolymer to commercialize the technology.

Today's chewing gums are made from synthetic latex, which is resistant to the weather and is strongly adhesive. The new gum adds a special polymer to modify its properties, making it far less sticky.

In two street trials, leading commercial gums remained stuck to the pavement three out or four times, while Clean Gum came away naturally in all cases, Revolymer said.

(Agencies)

近日，科学家们研发出一种“不粘口香糖”，这种新型口香糖很容易从街道、鞋子和衣服上清除。

据该产品的开发商上周五介绍，这种新型口香糖是由英国布里斯托尔大学聚合体研究中心研发出来的，有望于明年上市。

如果这种口香糖上市，能为世界各地的政府解决一个大难题。

布里斯托尔大学的化学教授特伦斯•考斯格鲁夫说：“我们这种‘清洁口香糖’口味好、易清除、而且具有可降解性。” 他协助成立了一个名叫Revolymer的公司，以实现该项技术的商业化。

现在的口香糖是由合成乳胶制成的，这种物质对外界环境具有抵抗性（无法分解），而且粘性很强。新型口香糖中添加了一种能改变其属性的特殊聚合物，从而使它的粘性大大降低。

据Revolymer公司介绍，两次街道测试的结果发现，现在市面上四分之三的口香糖都会粘在街道上， 而“清洁口香糖”在任何情况下都能自然脱落。