We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The surface degradation and release of microplastics from plastic films studied by UV radiation and mechanical abrasion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how UV radiation and mechanical abrasion, both individually and combined, cause plastic films to degrade and release microplastics. They found that the combination of UV exposure and physical wear was significantly more damaging than either factor alone, accelerating surface deterioration and particle release. The study provides evidence that everyday environmental conditions can generate substantial quantities of microplastics from common plastic materials.
During service or on discarding in the environment, solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and mechanical abrasion (MA) often act on plastic surface in combination, which cause the surface of plastics deterioration and micro- and nano- plastics release. Here, we examined how the set conditions (UVR, MA and UVR+MA (i.e., UVR combined with MA)) and polymer composition affected plastic degradation and microplastics (MPs) release. The surface degradation process and release of MPs of two types of plastic films (polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)) under the action of UVR, MA and UVR+MA were analyzed and compared. The main results are as follow: First, the surface change of PE and TPU films by UVR+MA was observed more prominently than by UVR and MA. UVR+MA resulted in the accelerated surface degradation compared to UVR and MA. A large number of MPs were released from both PE and TPU films and significant differences were observed between UVR, MA and UVR+MA conditions. The UVR+MA treatment led to the generation of the largest amount of MPs with a smallest particle size, followed by MA and UVR. Second, plastics with different compositions exhibited different levels of resistance to UVR and MA. PE films released more MPs than TPU under the three set conditions. Finally, optical microscopy provided a direct and non-invasive method to assess the plastics degradation and the observed change in relative transmittance as a function of exposure time could be fitted linearly in some circumstances, which can be used to quantify the release of MPs. This study provided a basis for better understanding the degradation mechanisms of plastics surface and the relationship with MPs release during use and into the environment.
More Papers Like This
Thermal oxidation, ultraviolet radiation, and mechanical abrasion - understanding mechanisms of microplastic generation and chemical transformation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated how consumer-derived polymers fragment and chemically transform when exposed to UV radiation or thermal oxidation followed by soil abrasion. The study found that these combined weathering processes, which mimic real-world environmental conditions, significantly affect the rate and type of microplastic generation. The results highlight how everyday use and environmental exposure work together to break down plastics into microplastic particles.
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.
Influence of weathering on the microplastics formation in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers simulated UV weathering of polypropylene plastic and tracked how exposure progressively degraded the polymer, causing surface cracking and changes in mechanical properties that facilitate breakdown into microplastics. The results help explain how environmental weathering of plastic waste accelerates microplastic formation.
Photo-induced degradation of single-use polyethylene terephthalate microplastics under laboratory and outdoor environmental conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how sunlight, water, and physical wear work together to break down PET microplastics, the type commonly found in plastic bottles and food packaging. Over 60 days, combined UV light and water exposure caused significant chemical degradation of the plastic surfaces. This matters because as microplastics break down in the environment, they release smaller fragments and potentially harmful chemicals that are easier for organisms to absorb.
Novel Release Mechanism of Microplastics and Nanoplastics by Environmentally Relevant Sand Abrasion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers designed a device to quantify microplastic and nanoplastic release from LDPE films through surface abrasion by dry sand over seven months. They found that degradation produced particles across a wide size range and characterised dynamic changes in surface chemistry, identifying abrasion as a significant but underappreciated MP generation mechanism.
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.