We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups on the micromechanical behavior of biodegradable plastics and their formation of microplastics during aging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics form microplastics during aging, focusing on the role of oxygen-containing functional groups. They found that biodegradable plastics are more prone to generating microplastics in a short time, and that oxygenated functional group formation is a key indicator of this process. The study reveals that micromechanical property changes during aging are closely linked to the evolution of these chemical groups, providing insights for assessing microplastic formation risk.
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are more prone to generate harmful microplastics (MPs) in a short time, which have always been ignored. Oxygenated functional group formation is considered to be a key indicator for assessing microplastic formation, while it is difficult to characterize at a very early stage. The micromechanical properties of the aging plastic during the formation of the MPs are highly influenced by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups, however, their relationship has rarely been revealed. Herein, we compared changes in the physicochemical properties of BPs and non-degradable plastic bags during aging in artificial seawater, soil, and air. The results showed that the oxidation of plastics in the air was the most significant, with the most prominent oxidation in BPs. The accumulation of carbonyl groups leads to a significant increase in the micromechanical properties and surface brittleness of the plastic, further exacerbating the formation of MPs. It was also verified by the FTIR, 2D-COS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the increased adhesion and roughness caused by oxygen-containing functional groups suggest that the environmental risks of BPs cannot be ignored. Our findings suggest that the testing of micromechanical properties can predicate the formation of the MPs at an early stage.
More Papers Like This
Aging of biodegradable blended plastic generates microplastics and attached bacterial communities in air and aqueous environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers aged biodegradable plastic blends in both air and water, finding that fragmentation into microplastics was inevitable before complete degradation, and that the resulting particles attracted distinct bacterial communities compared to conventional plastics. The study raises concerns that biodegradable plastics may still pose environmental risks during the microplastic phase of their breakdown.
From Macro to Micro Plastics; Influence of Photo-oxidative Degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
This study used simulated UV aging to investigate how photo-oxidative degradation of common plastics drives fragmentation from macro to micro scale, characterizing the surface property changes and structural breakdown that generate microplastic particles in the environment.
Research advances of biodegradable microplastics in wastewater treatment plant: Current knowledge and future directions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics during wastewater treatment and their effects on the treatment process. Biodegradable microplastics can alter microbial communities in treatment systems and carry pollutants on their surfaces due to abundant oxygen-containing chemical groups. The findings challenge the notion that biodegradable plastics are a complete solution to plastic pollution, since they still generate microplastics that could affect water quality and human health.
Abiotic Hydrolysis of Microplastics: Influence of Polymer Chain Scission on Particle Fragmentation and Dissolved Organic Carbon Release
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed five polymer types — including PLA, PA-6, TPU, PP, and LDPE — to hydrolytic aging across temperatures and pH levels and found that degradation generates both microplastics via surface cracking and nanoplastics via particle erosion, with polymer chemistry governing how much dissolved organic carbon is released and over what timeframe.
Can biodegradable polymers make microplastics?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether biodegradable polymers can form microplastics during their intended use and degradation, finding that several biodegradable materials do indeed fragment into micro- and nanoscale particles before fully mineralizing. The study raises important questions about whether "biodegradable" plastics fully solve the microplastic problem.
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.