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 About the transformation of low Tm into high Tm poly(l-lactide)s by annealing under the influence of transesterification catalysts
ClearCrystallization behaviors of chain extended poly (lactic acid) modified with ST‐NAB3 and its improvement for mechanical and thermal properties
Researchers modified poly(lactic acid) — a biodegradable plastic alternative to petroleum-based polymers — to improve its poor crystallization, mechanical strength, and heat resistance by adding a chain extender and nucleating agent. The resulting material performs better under real-world conditions, bringing biodegradable plastics closer to viably replacing conventional plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution.
Crystallization behaviors of chain extended poly (lactic acid) modified with ST-NAB3 and its improved mechanical and thermal properties
Researchers modified poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with a styrene-acrylonitrile-glycidyl methacrylate chain extender (SAG) and an octamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide nucleating agent (ST-NAB3) to improve its crystallization, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance as a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based single-use plastics. The modifications significantly enhanced PLA crystallinity and mechanical performance, supporting its use in disposable packaging and tableware applications.
Influence of Molecular Weight on the Enzymatic Degradation of PLA Isomer Blends by a Langmuir System
This study examines how molecular weight and stereocomplex crystallization affect the enzymatic degradation rate of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic alternative to petroleum-based polymers. While relevant to plastic degradation research, the paper focuses on material science properties rather than environmental microplastic contamination or health impacts.
Impacts of high temperatures on microbial degradation of microplastics and strategies for optimization
This review examined how temperature affects microbial degradation of microplastics, finding that moderate warming can reduce plastic crystallinity and facilitate biodegradation, while excessively high temperatures can inhibit microbial activity, and summarizing strategies to optimize degradation efficiency.
Microstructure and performance evolution of poly (l-lactic acid) during physical aging: Determinable role of molding method on β-relaxation
Researchers investigated how the manufacturing method of poly(L-lactic acid) — a biodegradable plastic relevant to microplastic pollution reduction — affects its mechanical aging behavior, finding that quenching versus cold-pressing creates different molecular network structures that determine how quickly the material becomes brittle over time.
Superior thermal stability and fast crystallization behavior of a novel, biodegradable α-methylated bacterial polyester
Researchers synthesized a novel alpha-methylated bacterial polyester and found it exhibited superior thermal stability and faster crystallization compared to conventional biodegradable plastics like PLA and PHAs, suggesting it could serve as a more versatile biodegradable substitute for petroleum-based plastics.
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.
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry
Researchers investigated the modification of poly(lactic acid) through plasticization to improve its mechanical properties for use in packaging industry applications as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
Effect of molecular weight on the properties and structure of biodegradable Poly-lactic acid melt-blown nonwovens
Researchers produced polylactic acid biodegradable nonwoven fabrics by varying the polymer's molecular weight, finding that lower molecular weight PLA crystallized more readily and formed finer fibers. Higher molecular weight PLA produced thicker, more water-resistant fibers with different mechanical properties.
Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates with a Different Set of Valerate Monomers: Chemical Structure and Physicochemical Properties
This materials science study synthesised novel biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers containing unusual valerate monomers to explore whether their thermal and crystallisation properties could be tuned to outperform conventional bioplastics. The new terpolymers showed improved thermal stability and lower crystallinity compared to standard PHA copolymers. Research into genuinely biodegradable plastics is directly relevant to microplastics because materials that fully break down in the environment would not accumulate as persistent micro- and nanoparticles.
Determination of Time and Concentration Conditions Affecting Polylactic Acid (Pla) Production
Despite its title referencing polylactic acid (PLA) production, this paper studies the chemistry of synthesizing a biodegradable bioplastic — not microplastic pollution per se. It examines how catalyst concentration and reaction time affect the yield and quality of PLA made via ring-opening polymerization and is focused on materials science rather than environmental microplastic contamination or human health.
State of the art on biodegradability of bio-based plastics containing polylactic acid
This review examines whether bio-based plastics made from polylactic acid (PLA) actually break down in the environment as intended. While certain microorganisms can degrade PLA, the process is slow and depends heavily on conditions like temperature and moisture. The findings matter because if bio-based plastics do not fully break down, they can still fragment into microplastics, posing many of the same environmental and health risks as conventional plastics.
A strategy to enhance recyclability of degradable block copolymers by introducing low-temperature formability
Researchers developed degradable block copolymers of poly(trimethylene carbonate) and polylactide with enhanced recyclability through a reversible pressure-induced phase transition between ordered solid and disordered melt states at ambient temperature, enabling low-temperature processing without heat.
Evolution of the Molecular and Supramolecular Structures of PLA during the Thermally Supported Hydrolytic Degradation of Wet Spinning Fibers
Researchers studied the structural evolution of polylactic acid fibers during accelerated hydrolytic degradation at different pH levels and temperatures, finding disorder-to-order phase transitions in the polymer's supramolecular structure that affect the degradation behavior of PLA materials in real-world conditions.
Effect of Matrix Crystallization on Vickers Hardness of Cellulose Fiber / Poly(lactic acid) Composites
This study investigated how crystallization processes affect the hardness of composites made from cellulose nanofibers and polylactic acid, a biodegradable plastic, with implications for replacing conventional fossil-fuel-based plastics.
Biodegradation behavior of polyesters with various internal chemical structures and external environmental factors in real seawater
Researchers tested how different types of biodegradable polyester plastics break down in real ocean conditions off the coast of South Korea. They found that the chemical structure of each polyester, particularly its crystallinity and glass transition temperature, significantly influenced how quickly it degraded. The study provides practical guidance for designing biodegradable plastics that will actually break down effectively in marine environments.
Synergistic Dual Catalytic System and Kinetics for the Alcoholysis of Poly(Lactic Acid)
Researchers developed an improved chemical recycling process using a dual catalyst system to break down polylactic acid (PLA), a common bioplastic, back into reusable building blocks. The approach could improve the circularity of bioplastics and reduce plastic waste from packaging and disposable products.
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.
Asymmetric Atomic Pt–B Dual-Site Catalyst for Efficient Photoreforming of Waste Polylactic Acid Plastics in Seawater
Researchers developed a new light-powered catalyst that can break down polylactic acid (PLA) plastic waste in seawater, converting it into useful chemicals and hydrogen fuel. The catalyst uses precisely arranged platinum and boron atoms to efficiently drive the chemical reaction. While focused on cleanup technology rather than health effects, this work offers a promising approach to reducing plastic pollution in the ocean before it breaks down into microplastics.
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.
Degradation of polylactide microplastics in the marine environment under low temperature and in fine-grained sediments - a laboratory scale evaluation
Researchers tested whether polylactide (PLA), a plant-based plastic marketed as compostable, actually breaks down in cold marine environments, finding it barely degraded in cold seawater and not at all in oxygen-deprived deep sediments — meaning improperly discarded PLA can persist in the ocean and contribute to nanoplastic pollution just like conventional plastics.
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.
Low temperature pyrolysis of polylactic acid (PLA) and its products
Researchers investigated the low-temperature pyrolysis of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic, finding that slow pyrolysis can convert PLA waste into bio-oil and gas. Since PLA is often falsely assumed to be compostable in all conditions, finding efficient end-of-life treatment methods is important to prevent it from becoming a microplastic source.
Assessment of Polylactide as Optical Material
Researchers evaluated polylactide (PLA), a biodegradable plant-based plastic, for optical applications, finding favorable light transmission and photostability. However, PLA becomes cloudy when exposed to heat due to crystallization, which limits its use unless this drawback is addressed.