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Thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene nanosheets composites with reduced microplastics release and enhanced mechanical properties
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Researchers incorporated graphene nanosheets into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to create a composite material that releases significantly fewer microplastic particles during use. The graphene acts as a barrier, reducing microplastic shedding at the source while also improving mechanical strength.
Abstract Microplastics are of increasing environmental concern as emerging contaminants worldwide. However, very limited studies are focused on the treatment of microplastics based on material design. Here, we propose a cut‐from‐the‐source strategy through incorporating graphene nanosheets (GNs) into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prepare high performance composites via melt‐processing. The effects and mechanism of GNs on microplastics release of TPU are first investigated. Benefiting from the barrier effect of GNs and the strong interfacial interaction, microplastics release of the obtained composites is effectively inhibited during oxidative degradation and the mechanical properties are simultaneously enhanced. This work provides a novel strategy for the source reduction of microplastics, inspiring the microplastics governance in the future.
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Graphene quantum dot for thermoplastic nanocomposites—Scope and opportunities
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Despite its title referencing graphene quantum dots for nanocomposites, this paper studies how graphene quantum dots improve the physical properties of thermoplastic polymers like polystyrene and polyurethane — not microplastic pollution. It examines nanomaterial science for engineering applications, and is not relevant to microplastics or human health.
Evaluation of Microplastic Generation from Novel Composite Graphene Nanoplatelets-Rubber Tires
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Researchers evaluated microplastic generation from novel composite rubber tires incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), motivated by growing concerns about tire-wear particles from heavier electric vehicles. The study assessed how GNP addition affects tire wear rates and the quantity and characteristics of microplastics released compared to conventional rubber formulations.
The Effect of Coupling Agents and Graphene on the Mechanical Properties of Film-Based Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic
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Researchers examined the effect of maleic anhydride coupling agents and graphene on the mechanical properties of post-consumer recycled polypropylene/polyethylene blends, finding that a 3 wt% MA coupling agent concentration optimised tensile strength and outperformed commercial coupling agents.
Enhancing the Wear Resistance of Low-Density Polyethylene by Conversion into a Thermoset or Graphite-Reinforced Thermoset Nanocomposite, with Implications for Reducing Degradation to Microplastics
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Researchers enhanced the wear resistance of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by converting it into a thermoset or graphite-reinforced thermoset nanocomposite using solid-state shear pulverization and dicumyl peroxide crosslinking, substantially reducing microplastic generation from abrasion. The approach demonstrates that thermoset conversion and graphite reinforcement together improve Young's modulus, ultimate strength, and wear performance compared to neat LDPE.
Functionalized graphene tire tread rubber composites for lower sub-micron microplastic particle emissions
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Every time car tires roll on the road, they shed tiny plastic particles that pollute air and water, some small enough to breathe in. Scientists found that adding a special form of graphene to tire rubber can make tires wear down less and release fewer of these tiny particles into the air. This could mean cleaner air and less microplastic pollution from future tires.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.