Articles tagged with Plastics
A team of Penn State researchers has converted waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into highly ordered synthetic graphite, a crystalline form of carbon. The formed graphite exhibited large, well-ordered crystallites, indicating a highly organized crystal structure, which is suitable for high-quality anode materials in battery research.
A novel supramolecular film with switchable structural and adhesive functions has been developed, exceeding industry standards for wood adhesion. The film's unique structure retains strength in wet conditions and demonstrates high-performance bonding to wood substrates.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have successfully demonstrated a scalable approach to solar-powered plastic recycling, converting plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals in outdoor conditions. The technology uses a simple spray-coating method to produce photocatalyst materials and reactors ...
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a way to make thermally insulative plastics by limiting heat-carrying vibrational channels, reducing thermal conductivity by 17% while maintaining flame-retardant behavior. This new design framework has promising applications in lightweight insulation materials and advanced building materials.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
Researchers developed a mathematical formula to estimate microplastic mass and size concentrations from limited data, enabling more efficient surveys. The new approach allows for the estimation of small microplastics often overlooked in field surveys, which can help track pollution sources and trends.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
A European research team is developing bacteria that can produce important chemical base materials from sustainable methanol, aiming to replace fossil resources in the chemical industry. The goal is to make chemical production more sustainable without jeopardizing food security.
Emerging biocatalytic strategies for plastic depolymerization leverage AI-enabled enzyme design and multi-enzyme cascades to enhance sustainable recycling. Researchers develop novel biocatalysts through de novo design, overcoming constraints with structural similarity to natural hydrolases.
Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.
Researchers developed a universal compounding technology to integrate up to 59% of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices, improving material performance. The resulting CNT superplastics exhibit excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise counteracted oxidative stress and inflammation caused by nanoplastics in female zebrafish. Exercise also improved neuroendocrine health by altering gut microbe balances.
Researchers developed Cel-T plastic, a novel cellulose-based supramolecular plastic with high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and versatile shapeability. The material combines the strengths of polylactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Researchers develop bond-centric framework to selectively activate C-H and C-C bonds in biomass and plastics for sustainable valorization. The review proposes a roadmap for industrialization, focusing on precise bond discrimination, high solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiencies, and hybrid systems.
A new study found that nearly every person in the US has multiple man-made chemicals, known as PFAS, in their system. The study examined over 10,500 samples and found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS, with many carrying multiple types.
A study finds microplastics in the human brain associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Apheresis, a medical treatment, is proposed as a potential removal method for microplastics from the body.
Researchers have developed a non-toxic, stretchy hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, making it suitable for producing transparent plastic films, coatings, and other common materials currently made from petroleum-based materials.
A new strategy has created 'living plastics' that self-destruct on command, using activatable microbes to break down material within a week. The breakthrough could lead to the development of triggerable spores in water to tackle plastic pollution.
New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.
Researchers develop solar-powered technology to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels, including hydrogen and syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing pollution challenges.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.
A new study reveals that more than 95% of prokaryotic microbe species carry genes with the potential to degrade natural or synthetic plastic polymers. The research identifies over 600,000 microbial proteins capable of breaking down plastics, with biodegradation potential strongly influenced by local ecological conditions.
Researchers found that microorganisms in the plastisphere have more functional genes to survive under extreme ocean conditions. They can absorb nutrients effectively and utilize alternative energy sources like anoxygenic photosynthesis.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic plastics using lower temperatures and sustainable solvents. The new process delivers over 95% conversion of the plastic and yields high-quality monomers, offering a clear pathway toward genuine circularity in acrylic materials.
A new analysis estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) contributed to 1.97 million preterm births in 2018, equivalent to 8% of global total. The study also linked DEHP to 74,000 newborn deaths and found a significant health burden across regions with rapidly growing plastics industries.
Researchers find that nanoparticles from biodegradable plastics like PLA can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal growth in pregnant mice. This raises concerns about the health effects of these plastics on human fetuses.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics is an intensive course designed to help students tackle plastic pollution. The program covers four frameworks: inside, on, around, and regulatory aspects of microplastics.
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Studies report that improperly disposed wet wipes can break down into microplastics, polluting rivers and harming aquatic life. Researchers analyzed 72 product labels, finding that only 7% clearly indicated safe disposal methods.
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
A new study has discovered microplastics in nine out of ten patients with prostate cancer, with higher levels found in tumor tissue than noncancerous tissue. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
Inhaled polystyrene nanoparticles induce lung injury by disrupting redox balance and triggering inflammation. Oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, respiration impairment, and apoptosis in lung cells.
Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Researchers develop a coating strategy using lignin nanoparticles to stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion, forming a multifunctional coating that enhances paper performance while maintaining environmental compatibility. The coated paper exhibits improved barrier properties, mechanical strength, and biodegradability.
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers, while 28% end up back on beaches near direct drainage points. The study highlights a significant 'sink' in the global circulation of plastics and sheds light on the complex transport of microplastics.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
Research reveals that low doses of nanoplastics can alter gut and liver function, with diet playing a key role. The study found that exposure to nanoplastics disrupted fat metabolism and glucose intolerance, especially in mice on Western-style diets.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
A team of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution developed a theory for how microplastic particles accumulate in ocean eddies. They found that particles tend to accumulate in tubelike structures within circular currents, forming 'attractors' that resemble twisted, closed loops.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
A recent study found that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study's findings suggest that these microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens, posing a growing risk to environmental and public health.
A mouse study by University of California, Riverside scientists suggests microplastic exposure may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis in males. The study found microplastics dramatically worsened plaque buildup in male mice, but not females.
A recent study by Ocean Conservancy reveals that consuming as little as three sugar cubes' worth of plastics can be fatal to seabirds, while less than one-sixth of a soccer ball's worth can kill sea turtles. Marine mammals are also vulnerable, with nearly half dying from ingesting plastics, often of varying types.
University of Rochester researchers developed algorithms to analyze complex chemistry in propane-to-propylene conversion. The study reveals the importance of defective metal sites and oxide phase stability in catalysts.