時尚雙語:英國：科學家發明“不粘口香糖”

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

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，科學家們研發出一種“不粘口香糖”，這種新型口香糖很容易從街道、鞋子和衣服上清除。

據該產品的開發商上週五介紹，這種新型口香糖是由英國布裏斯托爾大學聚合體研究中心研發出來的，有望於明年上市。

如果這種口香糖上市，能爲世界各地的政府解決一個大難題。

布裏斯托爾大學的化學教授特倫斯•考斯格魯夫說：“我們這種‘清潔口香糖’口味好、易清除、而且具有可降解性。” 他協助成立了一個名叫Revolymer的公司，以實現該項技術的商業化。

現在的口香糖是由合成乳膠製成的，這種物質對外界環境具有抵抗性（無法分解），而且粘性很強。新型口香糖中添加了一種能改變其屬性的特殊聚合物，從而使它的粘性大大降低。

據Revolymer公司介紹，兩次街道測試的結果發現，現在市面上四分之三的口香糖都會粘在街道上， 而“清潔口香糖”在任何情況下都能自然脫落。