Cold plasma-assisted degradation of melamine-resin microplastics: A multiscale analysis of fragmentation and morphological evolution

FTIR and SEM Study on the Degradation of Microplastics

AI summary · Read the abstract

Laboratory experiments using FTIR and SEM analysis showed that temperature, humidity, and UV light exposure all accelerate the surface degradation of microplastics, causing fragmentation into smaller particles and chemical changes to polymer structure. Understanding these degradation pathways matters because smaller plastic fragments and altered surface chemistry affect how microplastics interact with biological tissues and accumulate toxic compounds.

Experimental and Computational Validation on the Degradation Processes of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics by Mineral Acids and Thermal Treatment

A Review on the Fate of Microplastics: Their Degradation and Advanced Analytical Characterization

AI summary · Read the abstract

This review covers current methods for extracting, degrading, and analytically characterizing microplastics from environmental and biological samples, highlighting major gaps in photo-oxidation, biodegradation, and photo-thermal degradation approaches. Establishing effective microplastic degradation methodologies is essential for reducing their prolonged environmental persistence and preventing ongoing bioaccumulation of plastic fragments and associated toxic chemicals in food chains.

Pinhole Effect and Formation of Microplastics on PVC, PP and PET Surfaces Initiated by Plasma

AI summary · Read the abstract

Researchers exposed PVC, PP, and PET plastic films to cold plasma and found it caused surface pitting and microplastic particle formation, suggesting that plasma-based industrial or sterilization processes may inadvertently generate microplastic pollution.

Combined abiotic and biotic weathering of microplastic particles: Alterations of their physicochemical properties and interactions with cells