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Influence of the Presence of a Nano-Sized Filler in the Generation of Microplastics from Polypropylene Nanocomposites
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Researchers studied how adding nano-sized fillers to polypropylene nanocomposites affects the generation of microplastics during degradation. The study found that the presence of nanofillers influences the rate and characteristics of microplastic formation, providing evidence that the composition of plastic products affects their potential to generate secondary microplastic pollution.
The widespread and exponentially increasing use of polymer-based commodities is, nowadays, a basically intrinsic element of contemporary life as well as a substantial environmental concern. Moreover, it has led to significant adverse consequences especially when recovery and recycling are unsatisfactory, conditions favoring the formation of microplastics and nanoplastics with significant consequences on aquatic systems, soil, atmosphere, as well as biota and human health. Although the topic is undergoing massive investigation and research, there is less data about the behavior of multiphase polymer systems, especially as far as nanocomposites are concerned. In this paper, we simulated the two main generation mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics (photo-oxidation and mechanical fragmentation) of a polypropylene/clay nanocomposite and systematically characterized the amount and size distribution of the obtained microplastics. It was found that the presence of this nanoclay can lead to reduced microplastic generation, due to mitigation of the photo-oxidation processes.
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Role of Structural Morphology of Commodity Polymers in Microplastics and Nanoplastics Formation: Fragmentation, Effects and Associated Toxicity in the Aquatic Environment
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This review examines how the structural morphology and chemical composition of commodity polymers influence the formation and environmental behaviour of microplastics and nanoplastics, arguing that chemical degradation pathways have been largely overlooked in favour of purely physical abrasion explanations for plastic fragmentation.
Nanoplastic Generation from Secondary PE Microplastics: Microorganism-Induced Fragmentation
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Researchers found that microorganisms accelerate the fragmentation of secondary polyethylene microplastics into nanoplastics through enzymatic and mechanical processes, suggesting biological activity is a significant driver of nanoplastic generation in marine environments.
Degradation of polypropylene : proportion of microplastics formed and assessment of their density.
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Researchers quantified the proportion of microplastics generated during UV-driven degradation of polypropylene and assessed changes in chemical composition caused by photooxidation. The study found that UV exposure progressively fragments polypropylene and alters its surface chemistry, affecting subsequent environmental behavior and toxicity.
Microplastic Degradation and Management Via Nanomaterials
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Researchers reviewed nanomaterial-based strategies for microplastic degradation and management, covering photocatalysis, adsorption, and membrane filtration approaches that exploit the high surface area and reactivity of engineered nanomaterials. These methods offer a path toward actively breaking down microplastics rather than simply capturing them, which is critical for reducing the long-term accumulation of plastic particles in ecosystems and human bodies.
Degradation of polypropylene : proportion of microplastics formed and assessment of their density.
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This study quantified microplastic formation during UV degradation of polypropylene and characterized the chemical changes in the polymer structure caused by photooxidation. UV exposure was shown to generate new particles and alter chemical composition in ways that may change microplastic toxicity and environmental behavior.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.