Aligning the useful and environmental lifetimes of plastics

Introduction

Elijah Martin, a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, created a photo-weathering method to accelerate research on plastic degradation. His objective is to align the lifespan of plastics and their environmental impact to address the global plastic pollution crisis.

Solution & Impact

With a focus on aligning the useful and environmental lifetimes of plastics—a critical aspect in mitigating the detrimental effects of plastic pollution—Martin developed a compact and efficient photo-weathering method using UV LED technology. Collecting data faster and more efficiently makes it possible for researchers to create plastics that degrade at a pace compatible with their usage. This project has the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste accumulation in landfills and ecosystems.

Features

• Design of a photo weathering method to observe chemical changes and degradation rates of plastics under controlled conditions.
• Examination of the disparity between the short lifespan of plastics in use and their long-term environmental persistence.
• Exploration of the challenges and opportunities in designing plastics that degrade effectively while maintaining their functionality and convenience.