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Biodegradability of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites under aerobic mixed culture conditions.

Authors :
Phan, Duc C.
JrGoodwin, David G.
Frank, Benjamin P.
Bouwer, Edward J.
Fairbrother, D. Howard
Source :
Science of the Total Environment. Oct2018, Vol. 639, p804-814. 11p.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

The properties and commercial viability of biodegradable polymers can be significantly enhanced by the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The environmental impact and persistence of these carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites (CNT/PNCs) after disposal will be strongly influenced by their microbial interactions, including their biodegradation rates. At the end of consumer use, CNT/PNCs will encounter diverse communities of microorganisms in landfills, surface waters, and wastewater treatment plants. To explore CNT/PNC biodegradation under realistic environmental conditions, the effect of multi-wall CNT (MWCNT) incorporation on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was investigated using a mixed culture of microorganisms from wastewater. Relative to unfilled PHA (0% w/w), the MWCNT loading (0.5–10% w/w) had no statistically significant effect on the rate of PHA matrix biodegradation. Independent of the MWCNT loading, the extent of CNT/PNC mass remaining closely corresponded to the initial mass of CNTs in the matrix suggesting a lack of CNT release. CNT/PNC biodegradation was complete in approximately 20 days and resulted in the formation of a compressed CNT mat that retained the shape of the initial CNT/PNC. This study suggests that although CNTs have been shown to be cytotoxic towards a range of different microorganisms, this does not necessarily impact the biodegradation of the surrounding polymer matrix in mixed culture, particularly in situations where the polymer type and/or microbial population favor rapid polymer biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00489697
Volume :
639
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Science of the Total Environment
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
130224272
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.137