Researchers have developed a new method that will help combat the problem of microplastics that are ubiquitous in our environment.
In a study, a team of researchers from Ohio State University tried to find ways to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stronger to reduce the chances of microplastics being released from it.
According to the university, PVC plastic is the third most common plastic in the world and is found in construction materials, medical supplies and even some toys.
The biggest drawback of PVC is its brittleness and sensitivity to high temperatures, which its manufacturers have to deal with by adding plasticizers to it to make it more flexible.
Unfortunately, these added materials are only temporary solutions to the strength of PVC.
According to Ohio State News, synthetic chemicals leach from the plastic and PVC eventually breaks down into microplastics and other dangerous toxins.
However, researchers have discovered a way to permanently stabilize PVC by grafting a plasticizer into a polymer using electricity.
