Effect of Polymer Properties on the Biodegradation of Polyurethane Microplastics
Patrizia Pfohl, Daniel Bahl, Markus Rückel, Marion Wagner, Lars Meyer, Patrick Bolduan, Glauco Battagliarin, Thorsten Hüffer, Michael Zumstein, Thilo Hofmann, Wendel Wohlleben
Abstract
. We propose a biodegradation mechanism for (T)PUs that includes both mother particle shrinkage by surface erosion and fragmentation. The presented results help to understand structure-degradation relationships of (T)PUs and support recycling strategies.
Topics & Concepts
BiodegradationMicroplasticsPolyurethanePolymerHydrolysisChemistryChemical engineeringContext (archaeology)Organic chemistryEnvironmental chemistryBiologyPaleontologyEngineeringMicroplastics and Plastic Pollutionbiodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesRecycling and Waste Management Techniques