We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Atomistic Insights into Structure and Properties of ε-Caprolactone Oligomers
AI summary Read the abstract
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper uses computational chemistry methods to study the molecular structure and melting behavior of short-chain caprolactone oligomers as a step toward designing fully biodegradable polyesters; while the broader motivation mentions preventing microplastic accumulation, the study itself does not investigate microplastics in the environment.
The design of functional and sustainable materials requires a detailed understanding of the material properties and degradation mechanisms. In particular, the design of fully biodegradable polymers could allow a quick and controlled decomposition of materials before they accumulate in the environment and break down to micro- and nanoplastics. An important degradation pathway proceeds via the hydrolysis of polyesters. To obtain the best performing material candidates, a multiscale-level understanding that takes into account electronic structure combined with multiple configurations at the macroscopic scale is necessary. In this contribution, we present the extension of the multiscale Quantum Cluster Equilibrium method to oligomer materials. We showcase the first application of this methodology to oligomer systems, in particular oligo(ε-Caprolactone). The ε-Caprolactone oligomers were synthesized and characterized comprehensively by means of NMR, SEC, DSC, and TGA. Experimentally, two melting temperatures were observed, which were predicted by theoretical calculations and are in convincing agreement.
More Papers Like This
Effect of Oligomers Derived from Biodegradable Polyesters on Eco- and Neurotoxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the toxicity of biodegradable polyester polycaprolactone (PCL) and its synthetic degradation products (oligocaprolactones) on freshwater microorganisms, marine algae, and mammalian cells. While the intact PCL polymer showed no adverse effects, shorter oligomers and monomers at higher concentrations damaged tested organisms, suggesting that degradation products of biodegradable plastics warrant toxicity assessment alongside the parent materials.
Advances in the Modeling of Synthesis, Design and Properties of Polymers
AI summary Read the abstract
This computational chemistry dissertation used atomistic simulations to study the synthesis and properties of emerging polymer materials. Computational approaches to polymer design could accelerate development of biodegradable plastics that break down quickly rather than persisting as microplastics.
Identification and toxicity towards aquatic primary producers of the smallest fractions released from hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked the hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone, a biodegradable plastic, over 132 days and identified the smallest breakdown fractions produced. They found that the degradation generated both nanoplastic-sized particles and soluble oligomers, and tested their toxicity on aquatic primary producers including algae. The study suggests that even biodegradable plastics can release potentially harmful nano-sized fragments as they break down in the environment.
Molecular and Microstructural Bases for Understanding Microplastic Origin, Transport, and Fate
AI summary Read the abstract
This project report investigates the molecular and microstructural properties that determine how microplastics form from parent plastic materials, transport through environments, and ultimately accumulate. It aims to understand physicochemical mechanisms of microplastic fragmentation and mobility.
Polymer science for an overall study of micro and nanoplastic hazards: Sources, fate and effects
AI summary Read the abstract
This review applied polymer science principles to comprehensively examine the hazards of micro- and nanoplastics, covering their sources, fate in the environment, and biological effects across marine and terrestrial systems. The polymer-science framing helps explain how plastic particle properties such as size, shape, and surface chemistry govern environmental behavior.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.