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Nanotechnology: Advancing the Degradation of Plastics

anotechnology offers tech- years or 500–1000 years. Similarly, cumulation in the environment. Inor-
niques for degrading plastics estimates for “plastic” bottles suggest ganic fillers can be added to polymers
that help address pollution decomposition times ranging from to form nanocomposites to enhance
issues caused by improper over 70 to 450 years. its mechanical and thermal properties
disposal. and degradability. Nanocomposites
The Role of Nanotechnology in are polymers with dispersed inorganic
The widespread use of various poly-
mers in multiple industries is primarily Plastics Degradation fillers in a polymeric matrix. The incor-
due to their durability and high stabil- Mechanical recycling of plastics is an poration of nanoparticles such as TiO2
ity, which ensure resistance to extreme essential tool in a sustainable econo- into polymers has proven to increase
conditions, including temperatures, my. However, this process continues the composites degradability.
moisture, and UV exposure. However, to encounter challenges that impedes A Step Towards Sustainable Plas-
this very trait also contributes to the its global effectiveness. Despite the
primary environmental concern posed presence of a strong infrastructure and tic Management
by plastics. Ultraviolet light is required recycling facilities, limitations such as As the demand for sustainable solu-
to break down the molecules of plas- the scarcity of collection and sorting tions to reduce plastic pollution contin-
tics spontaneously into progressively sites, complexities in segregating plas- ues to rise, integrating nanotechnology
smaller pieces that microbes can me- tic types and the elevated costs of gath- into polymer manufacturing emerges
tabolize and fully degrade. Typically, ering and treating plastic waste persist. as a promising alternative for future
degradation times for plastic bags falls Nanotechnology emerges as a modern industrial applications.
between one of two ranges: 10–20 solution to the challenge of plastics ac-
Source – Plastics Engineering

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