Perspective
Materials science underpinnings of micro and nanoplastics
In this perspective, we discuss the fundamental mechanisms and the length scales responsible for the formation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs), MNPL size, shape, and morphologies, their metrology, and open questions in the field.
Mechanism of microplastic and nanoplastic emission from tire wear
Model experiments reveal that tire tread wears during driving to generate a population of aerosolized nanoparticles and larger microplastic particles. Formation of nano- and micro-particulate pollutants appear to arise from independent processes.
Surface functional group dependent enthalpic and entropic contributions to molecular adsorption on colloidal microplastics
Influence of soft polymeric hair-like structure of colloidal microplastics on molecular adsorption thermodynamics is revealed by in situ SHG experiments.
Paper
Photodegradation-driven microparticle release from commercial plastic water bottles
Microparticles are released into water when plastic bottles undergo photodegradation under sunlight.
About this collection
This collection, Guest Edited by Guruswamy Kumaraswamy (IIT Bombay), Sanat Kumar (Columbia University) and Tom McDonald (University of Manchester) focuses on mechanistic understanding of microplastic formation, transport processes relevant to microplastics in the environment, methods for preparation of realistic model microplastics for study, characterization of microplastics and interaction of microplastics with cells. The collection of review and research articles bridges interdisciplinary research in this field, exploring the soft matter underpinnings of microplastics and nanoplastics.