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2018
Conference Paper
Titel
Imitating the weathering of microplastics in the marine environment
Abstract
The existence of microplastic particles (polymer particles < 5 mm) in our environment has already been proven by several studies. It is known that the interactions between particles, meteorological (sun radiation [ultraviolet light, UV] and air temperature), and marine effects (water temperature, salinity and turbulences) lead to alterations in physical-chemical properties of plastic products or briefly to their degradation and fragmentation. By understanding the individual steps of the weathering process and the respective consequences for material properties (size, shape, density, crystallinity and surface properties), it is possible to predict the distribution, behavior and interactions of the particles in the environment and finally to assess their risk towards nature. The aim of this work is to mimic the weathering of microplastics in the marine environment under laboratory conditions and to evaluate its influence on material properties. This study is focusing on abiotic weathering processes including UV radiation and mechanical stress. Important data for weathering processes includes the initial state of microplastics, the energy source and input during weathering, and the state of microplastics after weathering. As model polymers, two materials are used, which differ in their chemical structure and density. It is expected that the weathering process of the materials depends on these properties.
Author(s)