Introduction, Past and Present Scenarios of Plastic Degradation

Abstract

The fascinating properties of plastic make its use widely possible in every field for the ease of human life. On the other hand, these properties make plastic non-biodegradable in nature. Hence the increasing accumulation of plastic in the environment is the arising concern for environmentalists and human society. This growing concern has motivated researchers and technologist to promote research activity for finding new degradation methods for plastics, synthesis of new plastic with biodegradable nature or find alternatives to plastics. Considering these facts, this book chapter briefly discusses the management of post-consumer plastic products and all the possible methods for plastic degradation such as photo and thermo-oxidative, catalytic, mechano-chemical and chemical along with the factors affecting these degradation methods.

Effect of terephthalic acid functionalized graphene oxide on the molecular interaction, and mechanical and thermal properties of Hytrel polymer

“…[1][2][3][4] With such interesting properties, GO stands out as a prominent material, particularly as a reinforcing nanofiller, in polymeric matrices to help in improving the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Moreover, these GO-based composites demonstrate a variety of applications. 3,4,7,11 However, the dispersion of GO plays an important role in the development of high-performance graphene oxide-based polymer nanocomposites.…”