We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Enhanced Degradability, Mechanical Properties, and Flame Retardation of Poly(Lactic Acid) Composite with New Zealand Jade (Pounamu) Particles
ClearThe Hydrolytic Behavior of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polystyrene‐ Grafted‐Hectorite Nanocomposite Films and Its Regulatory Mechanism on Microplastics
Researchers tested how polylactic acid (PLA) films and PLA/hectorite nanocomposite films degrade in aqueous solutions of different pH levels. The nanocomposite films degraded more slowly and released fewer microplastic fragments than pure PLA, suggesting that clay mineral incorporation could reduce secondary microplastic generation from biodegradable plastics.
Properties of reclaimed polypropylene microplastic-polylactic acid blends
This study explored whether mixing reclaimed microplastic polypropylene with biodegradable PLA plastic could reduce environmental harm while preserving useful mechanical properties. The blends were tested in seawater and buried in soil to assess biodegradation, and a 90% PP / 10% PLA blend retained the highest tensile strength after seawater immersion. Higher PLA content accelerated biodegradation but reduced thermal stability and strength. The research offers a potential strategy for making recovered microplastic materials more environmentally manageable without sacrificing too much performance.
Changes in the Thermal and Structural Properties of Polylactide and Its Composites During a Long-Term Degradation Process
Researchers studied the long-term degradation of polylactide (PLA) composites to understand how their thermal and structural properties change over time. The findings indicate that as PLA breaks down during composting, there is potential for microplastic formation, and the rate of decomposition varies depending on the composite composition.
Poly(lactic acid) nanoplastics through laser ablation: establishing a reference model for mimicking biobased nanoplastics in aquatic environments
PLA (polylactic acid) nanoplastics were fabricated via laser ablation to create a reference model for studying biobased nanoplastics in aquatic environments, with the resulting particles sharing surface chemistry characteristics with environmentally degraded PLA debris.
Environmental Degradation of Plastic Composites with Natural Fillers—A Review
Researchers examined the environmental degradation of polymer composites containing natural fillers, finding that exposure to outdoor conditions accelerates biodegradation of natural components and alters the mechanical properties of the composite material. The degradation process can generate microplastic fragments as the matrix breaks down.
Understanding the Effects of Adding Metal Oxides to Bioplastic and Bioplastic Blends on the Mechanical and Rheological Behaviour, Wettability, and Photo-Oxidation Resistance
Not relevant to microplastics — this study examines how adding zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles affects the mechanical and photo-oxidation properties of polylactic acid bioplastic blends, focused on materials engineering rather than environmental plastic pollution.
Investigation of physical properties of microalgae‐pectin‐based bio‐composite with addition of pine needle for environmental application
This paper is not directly about microplastics — it investigates the physical properties of a bio-composite material made from microalgae, pectin, and pine needles as a potential alternative to petroleum-based plastics, without studying microplastic pollution or environmental impacts.
Do poly(lactic acid) microplastics instigate a threat? A perception for their dynamic towards environmental pollution and toxicity
This review examines whether poly(lactic acid), a popular biodegradable plastic marketed as an eco-friendly alternative, actually poses environmental risks as it breaks down into microplastics. Researchers found that PLA only degrades fully under specific industrial composting conditions with high temperatures and moisture, and may persist much longer in natural environments. The study calls for deeper investigation into the environmental fate and potential toxicity of PLA microplastics as their use continues to grow.
Mechanical properties of fibre/ filler based poly(Lactic Acid) (Pla) composites : A brief review
This review examines the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites reinforced with natural fibers and fillers, presenting PLA as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics in applications ranging from agriculture to biomedical devices. Improving the strength and durability of bio-based plastics is essential for replacing petroleum-based materials that generate persistent microplastic pollution.
The Impact of Micro-Nanoparticles on Morphology, Thermal, Barrier, Mechanical, and Thermomechanical Properties of PLA/PCL Blends for Application in Personal Hygiene: A Review
This review covers how micro- and nanoparticle reinforcements alter the morphology, thermal stability, barrier properties, and mechanical performance of PLA/PCL biodegradable polymer blends for personal hygiene applications. It evaluates the potential of these composites to replace non-biodegradable plastics while meeting functional performance requirements.
Influence of microbial biomass content on biodegradation and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) composites
This paper is not about microplastics — it studies how adding microbial biomass (algae and cyanobacteria) to a biodegradable polyester (PHB) accelerates its degradation rate in soil.
Influence of the microstructure in the biodegradability process of eco‐friendly materials based on polylactic acid and mango seed for food packaging to minimize microplastic generation
Researchers developed biocomposite food packaging materials by loading mango seed components (kernel and integument) into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix via casting, characterizing the resulting materials for mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation properties. They found that the mango-PLA composites showed improved performance characteristics and biodegradability potential compared to pure PLA, with implications for reducing microplastic generation from food packaging disposal.
Polylactic acid synthesis, biodegradability, conversion to microplastics and toxicity: a review
Researchers reviewed polylactic acid (PLA), a popular plant-based "biodegradable" plastic used in packaging and agriculture, finding that while it breaks down inside the body, it does not fully degrade under natural outdoor or aquatic conditions — and in fact fragments into microplastics faster than conventional petroleum-based plastics. This challenges the assumption that bioplastics are a straightforward environmental solution.
The Unique Morphology of Coconut Petiole Fibers Facilitates the Fabrication of Plant Composites with High Impact Performance
This paper is not relevant to microplastics; it investigates the mechanical and structural properties of coconut petiole fiber composites with polylactic acid (PLA) for manufacturing applications.
Experimental modeling of biodegradable microplastics
Researchers experimentally modeled the formation of biodegradable microplastics by subjecting polymers to environmental degradation factors, characterizing the resulting particles' surface properties and their capacity to adsorb toxic chemicals and microorganisms relevant to ecological risk assessment.
Not Only Diamonds Are Forever: Degradation of Plastic Films in a Simulated Marine Environment
Researchers found that biodegradable plastics, including polylactic acid (PLA), do not fully degrade in simulated marine environments at realistic temperatures and conditions. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are a straightforward solution to ocean plastic pollution.
Acceleration of Biodegradation Using Polymer Blends and Composites
This review examines how blending biodegradable polymers with other materials can tune both physical properties and biodegradation rates, noting that many biodegradable plastics degrade far more slowly than claimed. The authors stress that biodegradation claims require rigorous validation under realistic environmental conditions.
Three-Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Composites: Fabrication, Applications, and Biodegradability Assessment
This paper is not about microplastics; it is a materials science review of polymer composites used in 3D printing, examining additive types, biodegradation pathways, and the environmental safety of biodegradable biocomposites.
Strengthening effect of pea dietary fiber on mechanical properties and degradability of polylactic acid
Researchers incorporated pea dietary fiber into polylactic acid (PLA) plastic to improve its mechanical strength and degradability. Strengthening biodegradable plastics without adding conventional plastic additives is important for developing truly compostable alternatives that don't generate persistent microplastic fragments.
The effect of biodegradable plastics on microplastic accumulation and exposure
Researchers developed a comprehensive method to quantify microplastic accumulation from biodegradable polymers in natural environments, examining whether biodegradable alternatives actually reduce plastic loads compared to conventional polymers under real-world outdoor conditions.
Evaluation of the degradation from micro to nanoplastics from biodegradable bags in marine conditions
Researchers evaluated how biodegradable plastic bags degrade into micro- and nanoplastics under environmental conditions, comparing them to conventional plastics. The study found that even biodegradable materials generate persistent micro- and nanoplastic particles under real-world conditions.
Mineral-Armored Structure Enhanced the Stability of Polyethylene Microplastics Rather Than Polylactic Acid Microplastics: A Long-Term Natural Aging Study
Researchers conducted a long-term natural aging study comparing polyethylene and polylactic acid microplastics across different environmental settings, finding that mineral armoring on polyethylene surfaces enhanced structural stability and slowed aging, whereas polylactic acid microplastics degraded more readily.
Properties and Degradation Performances of Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Blends and Keratin Composites
Researchers tested biodegradable blends of polylactic acid and polyhydroxybutyrate with added keratin waste as fillers, assessing how well the composites degrade. The work contributes to developing plastic alternatives that break down in the environment rather than persisting as microplastics.
Aging behavior of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics accelerated by UV/H2O2 processes
Researchers used UV and hydrogen peroxide to simulate environmental aging of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, finding that PLA microplastics undergo significant surface and structural changes during weathering that alter their environmental behavior and persistence.