We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bimodal Cellular Structure Evolution in PBAT Foams Incorporated by Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanosheets
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biodegradable PBAT polymer foams incorporating carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets using supercritical CO2 foaming, producing a bimodal cellular structure with enhanced melt viscoelasticity. Developing high-performance biodegradable foam alternatives addresses a key source of environmental microplastic pollution, as conventional polystyrene foams fragment into persistent particles that contaminate ecosystems.
Due to extensive concerns of tremendous environment pollutions, particularly microplastic as an emerging pollutant, the development and investigate on biodegradable polymer foams raised growing interest and revealed promising application prospects. In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNPs) were introduced into poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) foams to develop micro-nano bimodal cellular structure (BCS) using a supercritical CO2 foaming approach. CNTs and GNPs (CG) network structures were formed in PBAT/CNTs/GNPs nanocomposites by the gradual addition of CG, which made a significant enhancement on their melt viscoelasticity. Systematically, the effect of CG content and foaming temperature on the PBAT cellular structure were investigated. As the CG content increased, BCS was steadily formed in the PBAT/CG foams, meanwhile, their cell size decreased. At last, the generation mechanism of BCS in different PBAT/CG foams was explored.
More Papers Like This
Utilizing Fungal Mycelium in Bio-nanocomposites as a Replacement for Chemically Synthesized Lightweight Polymers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the use of fungal mycelium — the root-like network of fungi — as a biodegradable material to replace lightweight synthetic polymers in bio-nanocomposites. Replacing petroleum-based plastics with mycelium-based materials could substantially reduce the production of microplastics that persist in ecosystems and accumulate in human tissue.
Influence of carbon nanomaterials on microplastic release from polymer composites
AI summary Read the abstract
Plastics are increasingly blended with carbon-based materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to make them stronger, but this review of existing research finds that these additives can either reduce or worsen the shedding of microplastics, tiny plastic particles now found in our air, water, and even our bodies, depending on the specific materials and conditions involved. Because results vary so much between studies, scientists don't yet have a clear answer on whether these popular high-tech plastics are safer or riskier for microplastic exposure, highlighting the need for standardized testing before we can know their true impact on human health.
A decadal review of carbon-based sustainable materials: chemistry, mechanisms, and environmental applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review examines biochar — a charcoal-like material made from organic waste — as a promising tool for removing microplastics, heavy metals, and other pollutants from water through its high surface area and porous structure. Finding sustainable ways to capture microplastics before they reach ecosystems and bodies is an urgent global need, and biochar represents a low-cost, renewable option.
Microplastic Strength Increased by Using Graphene Oxide to Modify Aramid Filler
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated that treating aramid fiber fillers with graphene oxide before incorporating them into epoxide resin composites increased the resulting material's tensile strength by up to 13.36%, from 5.511 to 6.247 GPa. Producing stronger, more durable composite materials can extend product lifespans and reduce the mechanical wear and fragmentation that generates microplastic particles during use.
Realization of the strength of carbon fibres in microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
The strength of carbon fibers realized in microplastic composites depends strongly on fiber modulus of elasticity and the scale effect parameter, with an established empirical relationship predicting composite strength from fiber properties. This work enables more accurate design of carbon fiber reinforced plastics by connecting fiber characteristics to composite performance.
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.