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Yang Z, Murat Ç, Nakano H, Arakawa H. Accessing the intrinsic factors of carbonyl index of microplastics: Physical and spectral properties, baseline correction, calculation methods, and their interdependence. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115700. [PMID: 37897964 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Carbonyl index (CI) is a measure of the degradation status of microplastics. While many studies address environmental factors of microplastic degradation, intrinsic factors like physical properties, spectral properties, baseline correction, and CI calculation methods are less explored. This research focused on these aspects using surface seawater samples. We found that color and shape have limited dependence on particle size or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Baseline correction can significantly alter CI values, with the direction of the shift depending on the methods used. Additionally, most CI values before and after baseline correction and those calculated using different methods tend to be strongly correlated. Using the selected CI calculation methods, we found that CI values varied significantly by shape and color. CI's relation to the similarity between the sample and its pristine form suggests an alternative degradation measure. Our findings emphasize the need for standardized CI calculation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijiang Yang
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Çelik Murat
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Haruka Nakano
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan.
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Faculty of Marine Resources and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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Wang Z, Wang Z, Liu D, Wang Q. Peculiarity of the Mechanism of Early Stages of Photo-Oxidative Degradation of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Films in the Presence of Ferric Stearate. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3672. [PMID: 37765527 PMCID: PMC10535957 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferric stearate (FeSt3) is very efficient in accelerating polyethylene (PE) degradation, but there is a lack of exploration of its role in accelerating the early stages of polyethylene photo-oxidative degradation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FeSt3 on the photo-oxidative degradation of PE films, especially in the early stages of photo-oxidative degradation. The results show that FeSt3 not only promotes the oxidative degradation of PE but also contributes significantly to the early behavior of photo-oxidative degradation. Moreover, the results of the density functional theory (DFT) calculations proved that the C-H in the FeSt3 ligand was more easily dissociated compared with the PE matrix. The generated H radicals participate in the coupling reaction of the primary alkyl macro radicals leading to the molecular weight reduction, thus significantly increasing the initial rate of molecular weight reduction of PE. Meanwhile, the transfer reaction of the dissociation-generated C-centered radicals induced the PE matrix to produce more secondary alkyl macroradicals, which shortened the time to enter the oxidative degradation stage. This finding reveals the mechanism by which FeSt3 promotes the degradation of PE at the early stage of photo-oxidative degradation. It provides guiding significance for the in-depth study of the early degradation behavior in photo-oxidative degradation on polyolefin/FeSt3 films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
| | - Zhongwei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Dayong Liu
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 466300, China
| | - Qingzhao Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
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3
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Yang Z, Çelik M, Arakawa H. Challenges of Raman spectra to estimate carbonyl index of microplastics: A case study with environmental samples from sea surface. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115362. [PMID: 37549535 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of using the carbonyl index (CI) derived from Raman spectra as an indicator of plastic degradation and its relationship with the CI calculated from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, using microplastic samples of polyethylene (PE) from surface seawater. Multiple methods were used to calculate the CI values of FTIR spectra, while proposed methods were used to calculate the corresponding CI values of Raman spectra. Some significant relations between FTIR CI and Raman CI were observed. However, small R2 values suggest weak functional relationships, which can be attributed to the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of Raman spectra. These results highlight the challenges of establishing a functional relationship between FTIR CI and Raman CI, including challenges such as the uniformity of Raman spectra, determining optimal Raman measurement parameters, selecting appropriate peaks for Raman CI calculation, deciding on spectral processing methods, and addressing the interdependence of these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijiang Yang
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Murat Çelik
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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Celik M, Nakano H, Uchida K, Isobe A, Arakawa H. Comparative evaluation of the carbonyl index of microplastics around the Japan coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114818. [PMID: 36989597 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The carbonyl index (CI) of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics (MPs) (2950 particles) collected in coastal waters around Japan was investigated. The CI of MPs was calculated by the specified area under band technique. The mean MP CI in all samples (regardless of shape and color) was 0.69 ± 0.34 and 0.70 ± 0.34 for polyethylene and polypropylene, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the color or shape of the MPs. The polyethylene, white, and fragment MPs CI was negatively (p < 0.05) correlated with the major length of the MPs. Large MPs with relatively little deterioration were distributed along the west coast of the Sea of Japan, whereas small MPs were distributed along the east coast. Our findings of this gradual change in the deterioration of MPs, based on geographical distribution, are in accordance with literature CI-size and MP degradation hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Celik
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - Haruka Nakano
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan; Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
| | - Keiichi Uchida
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Isobe
- Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Arakawa
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
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5
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Plota A, Masek A. Analysis of the aging and stabilization processes in cyclic polyolefins containing various natural or synthetic stabilizers. POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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Almond J, Sugumaar P, Wenzel MN, Hill G, Wallis C. Determination of the carbonyl index of polyethylene and polypropylene using specified area under band methodology with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. E-POLYMERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/epoly-2020-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe current measurement techniques described in the literature for the determination of the carbonyl index (CI) for polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene were compared and contrasted. These were all found to be inconsistent or inaccurate and were not capable of differentiating significant changes in carbonyl peak evolution throughout accelerated ageing. As a consequence of these findings, a methodology, specified area under band (SAUB) is presented here to more accurately represent the CI as a general means of reporting. The increased precision in the methodology is explained and compared to other methodologies for determining CI. The SAUB method is also shown to be capable of elucidating the differences in relative extent and rates of CI for different polyolefins, exposed to the same conditions over the same time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Almond
- Polymateria Limited, Translation and Innovation Hub, Imperial College White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, White City, London, UK
| | - Piriya Sugumaar
- Polymateria Limited, Translation and Innovation Hub, Imperial College White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, White City, London, UK
| | - Margot N. Wenzel
- Polymateria Limited, Translation and Innovation Hub, Imperial College White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, White City, London, UK
| | - Gavin Hill
- Polymateria Limited, Translation and Innovation Hub, Imperial College White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, White City, London, UK
| | - Christopher Wallis
- Polymateria Limited, Translation and Innovation Hub, Imperial College White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, White City, London, UK
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Nguyen TKN, Kim HG, Kwac LK, Bui QB, Nguyen DM, Jeong H. Titanium dioxide-benzophenone hybrid as an effective catalyst for enhanced photochemical degradation of low density polyethylene. E-POLYMERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/epoly-2018-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn this study, a hybrid of titanium dioxide, benzophenone and ethylene vinyl acetate (TiO2-BP-EVA) was used as a novel catalyst to accelerate photo-oxidization reaction of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film under ambient conditions. The degradation of the LDPE films (thickness of ~25 μm) containing different catalyst concentrations were successfully investigated by different techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical tests. The results showed that the use of catalyst in which TiO2-BP content (1/3 w/w) is 0.5 phr (parts per hundred resin) and EVA content is 4.5 phr in a LDPE film provided the best degradation rate. The carbonyl index of the polymer film achieved the highest value without an equilibrium stage. Besides, the carbon-carbon backbone of the polymer was completely broken down consistent with the deformation of the surface. In addition, the mechanical properties impressively dropped after 3 months’ exposure. The obtained results imply that the TiO2-BP-EVA compound can be considered as an efficient catalyst for the photodegradation of LDPE polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kim Ngan Nguyen
- Fine Particles Engineering Group, National Institute for Material Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
- Department of Polymer and Composite Materials, Faculty of Material Science, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hong Gun Kim
- Institute of Carbon Technology, Jeonju University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Ku Kwac
- Institute of Carbon Technology, Jeonju University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Quoc Bao Bui
- Sustainable Developments in Civil Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dang Mao Nguyen
- Department of Polymer and Composite Materials, Faculty of Material Science, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- LOCIE, Polytech Annecy-Chambery, Université de Savoie Mont Blanc, Campus Scientifique, 73376 Le Bourget du Lac Cedex, France
| | - Hun Jeong
- Institute of Carbon Technology, Jeonju University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 55069, Republic of Korea
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9
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Subramaniam M, Sharma S, Gupta A, Abdullah N. Enhanced degradation properties of polypropylene integrated with iron and cobalt stearates and its synthetic application. J Appl Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/app.46028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malini Subramaniam
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Natural Resources; Universiti Malaysia Pahang; Gambang Pahang Malaysia 26300
| | - Swati Sharma
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Natural Resources; Universiti Malaysia Pahang; Gambang Pahang Malaysia 26300
| | - Arun Gupta
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Natural Resources; Universiti Malaysia Pahang; Gambang Pahang Malaysia 26300
| | - Norhayati Abdullah
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Natural Resources; Universiti Malaysia Pahang; Gambang Pahang Malaysia 26300
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10
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Kinetic study on the thermal degradation of ethylene–norbornene copolymers under the effect of Fe and Mn stearates. REACTION KINETICS MECHANISMS AND CATALYSIS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11144-017-1256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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11
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Musioł M, Rydz J, Janeczek H, Radecka I, Jiang G, Kowalczuk M. Forensic engineering of advanced polymeric materials Part IV: Case study of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene commercial bag - Aging in biotic and abiotic environment. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 64:20-27. [PMID: 28385349 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The public awareness of the quality of environment stimulates the endeavor to safe polymeric materials and their degradation products. The aim of the forensic engineering case study presented in this paper is to evaluate the aging process of commercial oxo-degradable polyethylene bag under real industrial composting conditions and in distilled water at 70°C, for comparison. Partial degradation of the investigated material was monitored by changes in molecular weight, thermal properties and Keto Carbonyl Bond Index and Vinyl Bond Index, which were calculated from the FTIR spectra. The results indicate that such an oxo-degradable product offered in markets degrades slowly under industrial composting conditions. Even fragmentation is slow, and it is dubious that biological mineralization of this material would occur within a year under industrial composting conditions. The slow degradation and fragmentation is most likely due to partially crosslinking after long time of degradation, which results in the limitation of low molecular weight residues for assimilation. The work suggests that these materials should not be labeled as biodegradable, and should be further analyzed in order to avoid the spread of persistent artificial materials in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Musioł
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rydz
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Henryk Janeczek
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Iza Radecka
- School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1SB, UK
| | - Guozhan Jiang
- School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1SB, UK
| | - Marek Kowalczuk
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland; School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1SB, UK
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12
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A Comparative Study of the Photodegradation of Two Series of Cyclic Olefin Copolymers. INT J POLYM SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1155/2017/1870814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of commercial cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), namely, ethylene-norbornene (E-NB) and ethylene-tetracyclododecene (E-TD), were processed as thin films with thicknesses of 25 μm by an extrusion process. The photodegradation of neat and formulated films with different metal stearates (Fe, Co, and Mn) was investigated using an ultraviolet (UV) light lamp (340 nm) for a period of 30 days in an accelerated weathering tester model QUV from Q-LAB according to the ASTM D 5208-01 standard practice. Changes in carbonyl index (CI) and tensile properties were used to evaluate the photodegradation of the films and other properties, such as Tg variation by DSC, were also analyzed. The present study reveals that (E-NB) copolymers show higher sensitivity to photodegradation than (E-TD) resins, in the absence and presence of metal stearates. We also find that the Fe salt shows the highest oxidative activity.
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13
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Liu P, Tang H, Lu M, Gao C, Wang F, Ding Y, Zhang S, Yang M. Preparation of nanosilica-immobilized antioxidant and the antioxidative behavior in low density polyethylene. Polym Degrad Stab 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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14
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Oxidation of benzoins to benzils in the presence of porphyrin sensitizers by air and sunlight or visible light. RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11164-013-1130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Liu X, Gao C, Sangwan P, Yu L, Tong Z. Accelerating the degradation of polyolefins through additives and blending. J Appl Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/app.40750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Liu
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
| | - Chengcheng Gao
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Parveen Sangwan
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Long Yu
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Zhen Tong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
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Nerin C, Alfaro P, Aznar M, Domeño C. The challenge of identifying non-intentionally added substances from food packaging materials: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2013; 775:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2013.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Elanmugilan M, Sreekumar P, Singha N, Al-Harthi MA, De S. Aging of low-density polyethylene in natural weather, underground soil aging and sea water: Effect of a starch-based prodegradant additive. POLYM ENG SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.23494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Elanmugilan
- Rubber Technology Centre; Indian Institute of Technology; Kharagpur 721302; West Bengal; India
| | - P.A. Sreekumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering; King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; P.O. Box 5050; Dhahran 31261; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - N.K. Singha
- Rubber Technology Centre; Indian Institute of Technology; Kharagpur 721302; West Bengal; India
| | | | - S.K. De
- Department of Chemical Engineering; King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; P.O. Box 5050; Dhahran 31261; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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18
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Roy PK, Surekha P, Rajagopal C. Surface oxidation of low-density polyethylene films to improve their susceptibility toward environmental degradation. J Appl Polym Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/app.34097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Roy PK, Hakkarainen M, Varma IK, Albertsson AC. Degradable polyethylene: fantasy or reality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:4217-27. [PMID: 21495645 DOI: 10.1021/es104042f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste disposal is one of the serious environmental issues being tackled by our society today. Polyethylene, particularly in packaging films, has received criticism as it tends to accumulate over a period of time, leaving behind an undesirable visual footprint. Degradable polyethylene, which would enter the eco-cycle harmlessly through biodegradation would be a desirable solution to this problem. However, the "degradable polyethylene" which is presently being promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to the nondegradable counterpart, does not seem to meet this criterion. This article reviews the state of the art on the aspect of degradability of polyethylene containing pro-oxidants, and more importantly the effect these polymers could have on the environment in the long run. On exposure to heat, light, and oxygen, these polymers disintegrate into small fragments, thereby reducing or increasing the visual presence. However, these fragments can remain in the environment for prolonged time periods. This article also outlines important questions, particularly in terms of time scale of complete degradation, environmental fate of the polymer residues, and possible accumulation of toxins, the answers to which need to be established prior to accepting these polymers as environmentally benign alternatives to their nondegradable equivalents. It appears from the existing literature that our search for biodegradable polyethylene has not yet been realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasun K Roy
- Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, DRDO, Timarpur, Delhi 110054, India
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20
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Joo C, Kang S, Kim SM, Han H, Yang JW. Oxidation of benzoins to benzils using sodium hydride. Tetrahedron Lett 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Roy PK, Singh P, Kumar D, Rajagopal C. Manganese stearate initiated photo-oxidative and thermo-oxidative degradation of LDPE, LLDPE and their blends. J Appl Polym Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/app.31252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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Magagula B, Nhlapo N, Focke WW. Mn2Al-LDH- and Co2Al-LDH-stearate as photodegradants for LDPE film. Polym Degrad Stab 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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Yoon S, Prabu AA, Kim KJ, Park C. Metal Salt-Induced Ferroelectric Crystalline Phase in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Films. Macromol Rapid Commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.200800108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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24
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Roy PK, Surekha P, Rajagopal C, Choudhary V. Degradation behavior of linear low-density polyethylene films containing prooxidants under accelerated test conditions. J Appl Polym Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/app.27889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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25
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26
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Roy P, Surekha P, Rajagopal C, Choudhary V. Effect of cobalt carboxylates on the photo-oxidative degradation of low-density polyethylene. Part-I. Polym Degrad Stab 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Roy PK, Surekha P, Rajagopal C, Choudhary V. Comparative effects of cobalt carboxylates on the thermo-oxidative degradation of LDPE films. J Appl Polym Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/app.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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