Surface Chemistry in Environmental Degradation of Polymeric Solids

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) cause significant adverse environmental effects. To address this issue, a scientific approach for understanding the formation of MPs is essential. In this Perspective, we summarize the three typical degradation behaviors of polymeric solids from a surface chemistry perspective: chemical degradation, biodegradation, and mechanical degradation. These three degradation processes can occur consecutively or simultaneously in poorly managed polymeric materials, ultimately resulting in their disintegration into the environment. This Perspective provides valuable insights into controlling the degradation of polymeric solids and designing eco-friendly polymers for a sustainable future.

Photo-oxidative Degradation and Biodegradation of Poly(ether-block-amide) Multiblock Copolymers

“…Plastic particles have numerous negative effects on marine organisms and humans . To address plastic waste pollution, it is imperative to understand the degradation behavior of plastics in the natural environment. , Most plastics are exposed to sunlight and further fragment into particles through abrasion by sand, rock, and wave actions. , Researchers have classified plastic particles into four categories based on their size: macroplastics (>2.5 cm), mesoplastics (5 mm–2.5 cm), microplastics (MPs; 1 μm–5 mm), and nanoplastics (<1 μm) . Previously, we studied the photo-oxidative degradation and fragmentation behavior of polyolefins. , Our findings indicate that polyolefin plastics become brittle after ultraviolet (UV) exposure, making them more susceptible to fragmentation into MPs.…”