COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MICRO- AND NANOPLASTIC RELEASE FROM POLYPROPYLENE AND POLYCARBONATE BOTTLES UNDER SIMULATED USE CONDITIONS

Authors

  • Denys. O. Pavlovskyi National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Department Technology of Inorganic Substances, Water Treatment and General Chemical Technology, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9043-965X
  • Iryna O. Shkilniuk National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Department Technology of Inorganic Substances, Water Treatment and General Chemical Technology, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8808-3570
  • Viktoria I. Vorobyova National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7479-9140

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15421/jchemtech.v33i4.336936

Keywords:

Microplastic, Distribution, Degradation, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive comparison of polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) bottles with respect to their chemical and mechanical stability under simulated conditions of routine consumer use, including thermal and chemical stress. The release of micro- and nanoplastics was systematically evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed noticeable surface degradation, microcrack formation, and material fatigue, particularly in PP samples, indicating progressive structural deterioration. DLS measurements confirmed the presence of a broad particle size distribution ranging from 3.6 to 3777 nm, with high polydispersity indices (PDI > 0.7), reflecting heterogeneous particle release. Overall, PP exhibited a higher tendency to release micro- and nanoplastics, which is attributed to its lower thermal resistance and reduced chemical stability compared to PC. However, an environmental impact assessment using the AGREEMIP framework showed that PP has a comparatively lower overall environmental footprint. In contrast, PC presents higher potential health and environmental risks, primarily due to the possible release of toxic monomers and the hazardous reagents involved in its synthesis.

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Published

2025-12-25

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Chemistry and Technologies

Section

Chemical Technology

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Copyright (c) 2025 Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

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