Articles tagged with Plastics
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Researchers discovered that microplastics form stable aggregates with biogenic particles, such as plankton and faecal material, which can sink into deeper water layers. The presence of biofilms on microplastics also facilitates aggregation, potentially affecting the transport and distribution of microplastics in the oceans.
Researchers create 3D printing filaments from recycled plastic bottles and other waste materials, enabling rapid production of spare parts under combat conditions. The process could significantly reduce dependence on outside supply chains and enhance safety for troops in remote areas.
Scientists have found that contact lenses can break down into smaller plastic particles when exposed to wastewater treatment plants, which can harm aquatic organisms. The study's authors hope that industry will take note and provide proper disposal guidelines for contact lenses.
A new study has evaluated the quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information, revealing they can present biased information and offer an unbalanced assessment of risks and benefits. The study suggests these videos may not provide clear guidance on the qualifications of featured practitioners.
A novel approach to creating super slippery industrial packaging aims to cut down on food waste by using naturally compatible vegetable oils. This method can be applied to inexpensive plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, reducing waste and improving consumer safety.
Researchers discovered that common plastics emit greenhouse gases methane and ethylene when exposed to sunlight. Polyethylene, the most produced synthetic polymer globally, was found to be the most prolific emitter of these gases.
Researchers have demonstrated direct evidence of biodegradation of polymers like PBAT in agricultural soil, tracking carbon into CO2 and microbial biomass. The study suggests polyesters as a practical alternative to alleviate detrimental plastic accumulation.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum developed a low-cost nickel boride catalyst for plastic production from biorefinery products, offering a sustainable alternative to PET. The catalyst also enables the creation of hydrogen as a potential energy source.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created a material derived from crab shells and tree fibers that can replace flexible plastic packaging. The new material shows up to a 67% reduction in oxygen permeability compared to traditional PET packaging, making it a promising alternative for food preservation.
Terahertz radiation can be used for various applications, including airport security checks and material analysis. Researchers at TU Wien have developed a technique to shape these beams using a precisely calculated plastic screen produced on a 3D printer, resulting in precise control over the beam's shape and direction.
A recent Texas A&M AgriLife study reveals that dietary exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) can increase mortality and worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers found BPA altered gut microbial amino acid metabolism, leading to increased inflammation and reduced compound production related to serotonin breakdown.
The China ban on non-industrial plastic waste has displaced around 111 million metric tons of plastic waste, which was previously exported to the country. This shift will require high-income countries to develop more robust recycling programs domestically and rethink the use and design of plastic products.
Scientists are developing new recycling technologies to break down plastics into reusable materials. Current methods use mechanical processes that partially degrade polymers, reducing product quality. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including chemical reactions and biological enzymes to speed up the process.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a method to detect 'butterfly' landmines, which are difficult to locate due to their small size and design. The use of low-cost commercial drones and infrared cameras can rapidly identify these mines and reduce costs and labor required for mine clearing operations.
A special issue of Angewandte Chemie explores the intersection of chemistry, conservation, and archaeology in preserving cultural heritage. Research articles examine methods for analyzing antiques, classifying plastic artifact degradation, and conserving cannonballs from shipwrecks.
Research found that water samples downstream of six UK wastewater treatment plants contained significantly higher concentrations of microplastics. The study suggests that these plants are a key route into UK rivers for microplastic pollution, posing a threat to river ecosystems and marine environments.
Marine organisms easily ingest nanoplastics, which accumulate in their bodies over time, threatening food safety. Nanoplastics can transfer up the food chain, affecting human health, as shown in a recent study using acorn barnacles.
A new study found that contaminated black plastic is entering consumer products due to inefficient recycling practices, posing a risk to human health. The researchers also discovered potential harm to marine environments through the spread of microplastics.
Scientists have successfully enhanced the capacity of PETase, an enzyme that degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic commonly used in bottles. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient biodegradation of PET and reduce ocean plastic waste.
A study published in PLOS ONE found microplastics at all 16 sites studied in Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel, with highest contamination in Henry Bay and Metcalfe Bay. The researchers identified three main types of microplastics: microfibers, microbeads, and microfragments, with microbeads being the most common type.
Researchers developed a film coating to prevent bacterial growth on dental retainers and aligners. The coated plastic showed improved durability and reduced bacterial growth by 75%, offering a potential solution for maintaining oral hygiene.
A new technique doubles the conversion of carbon dioxide to an essential plastic component, ethylene. The approach uses copper coated with polyacrylamide to increase efficiency, offering a promising method for recycling CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a method to control human heart cells growing in a dish on command by shining light and varying its intensity. The graphene surface converts light into electricity, providing a more realistic environment than standard laboratory dishes.
A University of Toronto engineering team has designed a most efficient and stable process to convert climate-warming carbon dioxide into ethylene, a key chemical building block for plastics. The breakthrough catalyst uses a thin copper-based material and improves energy efficiency and selectivity.
While solid body wash is seen as a more eco-friendly option than wrapped and bottled soaps, studies on its environmental impact are still lacking. Experts recommend that consumers learn more about ingredients and packaging-reduction initiatives to make informed choices.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a way to improve the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries by using microwaved plastic as a carbon scaffold. The process reduces polysulfide shuttling effect, increasing battery capacity retention and paving the way for commercial use.
A new research project in the UK aims to study the impact of tyres and clothing on the marine environment. The project will explore how tiny plastic particles from these sources enter waterways and oceans, affecting marine life.
Researchers developed structured core-shell polymer filaments to improve the strength of 3-D printed plastics. The new filaments have a polycarbonate core and an olefin ionomer shell, which self-reinforce the printed parts and make them more resistant to impacts.
A new study from Florida State University finds that microplastics are present at every loggerhead turtle nesting site in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, with highest concentrations found in dunes where turtles nest. This could alter temperature profiles and jeopardize incubation environments.
Chemists at Colorado State University have discovered a polymer with high molecular weight, thermal stability, and mechanical properties comparable to conventional plastics. The new material can be recycled back to its original state under mild lab conditions, paving the way for a circular materials life cycle.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a method to produce conjugated polymers using a dehydration reaction, resulting in cheap and environmentally friendly plastics. This breakthrough aims to streamline production and bring affordable electronics to market.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used an inexpensive 3D printer to produce self-folding plastic objects that can be heated to assume predetermined shapes. The process utilizes a common printing defect, warpage, which is typically considered a problem with these printers.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found higher amounts of microplastic in arctic sea ice, with concentrations up to 12,000 particles per litre. The unique composition and layering of plastic particles suggest sources such as the Pacific Ocean's garbage patch and intensified shipping and fishing activities.
Researchers have developed biomarkers to detect harmful environmental contaminants in wildlife, enabling faster development of diagnostic tools. Additionally, scientists have created a more sustainable method for producing biodiesel from low-cost cooking oil waste using nanoparticles.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and NREL have engineered an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery could lead to a recycling solution for millions of tons of plastic waste.
Researchers at Duke University have designed a thin material that can control sound waves with almost perfect efficiency, revolutionizing the manipulation of acoustic waves. The device uses a class of materials called metamaterials to redirect and reflect sound waves, offering significant improvements over previous devices.
A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science detected cadmium, mercury, and lead in high concentrations in plastic debris collected from Lake Geneva's beaches. The presence of toxic elements reflects the age of the plastic litter, which could be decades old.
Scientists have developed a paper-thin, flexible and durable liquid crystal display that can be updated rapidly like a newspaper. The new optically rewritable LCD design enables fast switching of images and text without power consumption.
Researchers have discovered an eco-friendly method for recovering valuable plastics from electronic waste using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. This approach recovers up to 89% of polycarbonate from cell phone plastic and can be reused multiple times.
A new study has developed a method to recover high-quality polymers from mixed-plastic electronics waste, providing an environmentally friendly solution for recycling. The process uses a solvent called NMP, which releases vapors only when heated above 180 degrees Celsius, and can be reused multiple times.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a method to reuse plastic waste to remove carcinogenic synthetic dyes from wastewater. The process involves transforming polystyrene into a material that can support nanoparticles, which are then used to break down harmful dyes.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of smart glass that is more transparent in its transparent state and more reflective in its reflective state. The panels, made from two sheets of plastic separated by a thin cavity, can switch between allowing light in and blocking it out with just the press of a button.
Researchers developed low-cost, 3D printed hyperspectral imagers for drones, making them accessible for land and ocean mapping. The imagers provide data on terrain features and ocean color, with improved sensitivity in development.
A recent study found that plastic pellets in marine environments have been leaking for decades, with continuous leakage leading to massive releases. Researchers calculated that 3-36 million pellets are spread every year from the Stenungsund production site.
Researchers have developed a new additive that combines polyethylene and polypropylene, making them recyclable together. The multiblock polymer chain anchors the two plastics, allowing for more efficient recycling of plastic waste.
A recent study by the University of Exeter found that 86% of teenagers have traces of Bisphenol A (BPA) in their bodies. Despite a BPA-free diet, participants saw no significant drop in exposure levels, highlighting the need for better labelling of products containing the chemical.
Microplastics in soils and freshwaters can have damaging effects on ecosystems, triggering adverse reactions in organisms and potentially disrupting hormone systems. Humans also ingest microplastics through food, highlighting the need for reliable data on microplastic degradation and effects.
Polymer researchers found that manipulating polypropylene molecules' regularity affects the end product's mechanical properties. They discovered a relationship between isotacticity, degree of crystallinity, and material toughness.
A new article highlights responsible strategies for managing end-of-life foams and plastics containing harmful flame retardants. Researchers emphasize the need for proper disposal and recycling methods to minimize health risks from environmental exposure.
A recent study has found that contact with plastic waste significantly increases the chance of disease in corals. Dr. Joleah Lamb led the research, which examined over 120,000 corals on 159 reefs across Asia-Pacific regions. The findings highlight the critical role plastics play in promoting disease among marine organisms.
The discovery of a shape-memory mechanism in synthetic organic materials could lead to advancements in low-power electronics and medical devices. The researchers found that the transformation process is driven by concerted movement of molecules, enabling reversible and ultrafast shape changes.
A new study found that 11.1 billion plastic items are lodged on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region, increasing the risk of coral disease by 85x. Plastic debris is linked to a 20-fold increased risk of disease, particularly skeletal eroding band disease.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that oceanic plastic trash can convey disease to coral reefs, leading to devastating consequences. The research found that the presence of plastic debris on reefs increases the likelihood of disease from 4 to 89 percent.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation awarded VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland a $1 million prize for its innovative bio-based packaging solution made from cellulose. The material reduces the use of plastics, extends the shelf life of food, and minimizes food waste.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an economical and high-yielding way to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a critical chemical for making renewable plastics.
A team of researchers from KAUST found that the Red Sea has a relatively low amount of plastic debris in its surface waters. The majority of collected rubbish was rigid fragments of broken objects, with only small amounts of plastic film and fishing lines.
Researchers demonstrate prototype smart glass that can switch from reflective to clear with the addition of a liquid, making office buildings more energy efficient and keeping cars cool. The technology could also be used to make roof panels that keep houses warm in winter and cool in summer.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system that allows 3D-printed plastic objects to wirelessly communicate with other WiFi-connected devices using backscatter techniques. These objects can sense useful data and send information to other smart devices, enabling applications such as automated laundry ordering and ...
A €2 million European Research Council grant has been awarded to NIOZ scientist Helge Niemann to investigate microbial breakdown of plastics in the ocean. Microbes may utilize plastics as carbon substrates, but key factors controlling degradation are largely unknown.