We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis of epoxy resin anti-corrosion coatings with (reactive) pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new method using reactive pyrolysis gas chromatography to analyze the complex chemical composition of anti-corrosion marine coatings, which are estimated to be a major source of microplastics in the ocean. Marine paint particles are difficult to study because they contain many different polymers and additives mixed together. The new analytical approach provides better chemical characterization of paint-derived microplastics, an important step toward understanding this overlooked pollution source.
Marine coatings, specifically anti-corrosion or antifouling paints, could be the largest source of microplastics in the marine environment, according to new estimates1. However, there is very little environmental data on marine paint particles. One of the reasons is the analytical challenge posed by the heterogeneous composition, density, and structural complexity of these organic coatings. Previous studies have mainly used optical and spectroscopic (FTIR or RAMAN spectroscopy) methods to identify and quantify individual marine paint particles. Calculating mass balances to investigate the fate of these particles in the marine environment is difficult with these kind of data. In contrast, mass-based data, differentiated by different polymer types, as obtained by thermoanalytical methods, allow these mass balances and thus a verification of the estimated emission amounts. A first approach of analyzing marine paint particles in environmental samples was recently published by Dibke et al. (2021). Here, different polymers were grouped into clusters, e.g. grouping all BPA containing polymers types, such as epoxy resins, one of the most important polymer types for marine paints, and polycarbonate into a cluster. However, epoxy resins and polycarbonate can be quite different, especially when it comes to polymer quantification, which can lead to an underestimation of epoxy resins. Therefore, we will take a detailed look at this cluster, with emphasis on epoxy resins. Seventeen different epoxy resins were analyzed by direct and reactive pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The pyrograms of epoxy resins showed rather high variability, but mutual pyrolysis products allow reliable identification and differentiation between epoxy resins and polycarbonate. In addition, aspects of quantification, such as product-related responses of quantification markers and the influence of inorganic matrices, will be discussed to achieve the goal of reliable quantification of epoxy resins in water and sediment samples. 1Paruta, P., Pucino, M., Boucher, J. (2022). Plastic Paints the Environment. https://www.e-a.earth/files/ugd/425198ₐ864877fefd74ade85d85080ae21e029.pdf Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/426271/document
More Papers Like This
Analytics of paints and coatings with (reactive) pyrolysis-GC/MS – challenges and perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the application of reactive pyrolysis-GC/MS for analyzing paints and coatings as a source of microplastic particles, addressing challenges in detecting these particles in environmental samples such as sediment and water. The study highlighted that paints and coatings have been estimated as the largest single source of microplastics to oceans yet remain poorly characterized due to analytical limitations.
Analytics of paints and coatings with (reactive) pyrolysis-GC/MS – challenges and perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the application of reactive pyrolysis-GC/MS as an analytical method for detecting and quantifying paint and coating particles in environmental samples, addressing challenges posed by the complex, layered structure of paint particles containing multiple polymers, pigments, and fillers. They found pyrolysis-GC/MS to be a promising approach for this difficult-to-analyze microplastic category, which one major estimate suggests may be the single largest global source of marine microplastics.
An analytical strategy for challenging members of the microplastic family: Particles from anti-corrosion coatings
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an analytical strategy for identifying and quantifying particles from anti-corrosion coatings, an often-overlooked fraction of microplastic pollution. The study applied multiple identification techniques to these challenging particles, improving the ability to accurately detect coating-derived microplastics in environmental samples.
Microplastic Mass Concentrations and Distribution in German Bight Waters by Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry/Thermochemolysis Reveal Potential Impact of Marine Coatings: Do Ships Leave Skid Marks?
AI summary Read the abstract
A mass-based Py-GC/MS survey of microplastics in the German Bight (North Sea) found highly variable concentrations (2–1396 µg/m³) influenced by oceanographic conditions, with coastal samples showing packaging waste signatures and central areas revealing an unexpected signal consistent with marine antifouling paint.
Identification of polymer types and additives in marine microplastic particles using pyrolysis-GC/MS and scanning electron microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used pyrolysis and thermal analysis to identify polymer types and plastic additives in marine microplastic particles, finding a diverse range of polymers and additive chemicals in samples from multiple ocean environments.
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.