BASF Podcast: The Chemical Reporter - What is the chemistry behind a permanent wave hairstyle?

Ludwigshafen (ots) - The key to understanding lies in the
molecular structure of hair. A single hair is made up of a bundle of
fibers. The individual fibers are in turn made up of even smaller
threadlike components known as fibrils. And in their turn, fibrils
are made up of chains of protein molecules - mostly the tough
structural protein keratin - that are twisted together and attached
to one another with chemical bridges made of sulfur or hydrogen
atoms. If you want to change it, then you first have to dissolve the
bonds. In entertaining episodes our Chemical Reporter answers
questions of our Podcast listeners on Chemistry in our everyday life.

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BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical
Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and
performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well
as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in
virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value
products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in
finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection,
energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more
than EUR62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as
of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges
in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information
on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Originaltext: BASF SE
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ISIN: DE0005151005

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