Understanding Plastic Weathering Through Vibrational Spectroscopy

초록

With t he global rise in plastic use, concerns over microplastics generated through weathering processes are intensifying. While many studies have examined the occurrence and impacts of microplastics, relatively few have systematically explored the weathering behavior of different plastic types. This review focuses on the mechanisms of weathering and associated property changes in representative plastics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with an emphasis on Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. These nondestructive techniques enable the identification of chemical changes such as oxidation, carbonyl formation, and surface degradation. However, no standardized protocol currently exists for plastic-specific weathering assessments. Additionally, significant differences persist between artificially aged microplastics and those found in the environment, which are often associated with biofilms, organic matter, and pollutants. These discrepancies complicate the interpretation of environmental behavior and toxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for experimental models and analytical methods that better reflect real-world conditions and facilitate accurate cross-comparisons among plastic types. This review aims to support such efforts by summarizing current knowledge and identifying key gaps in microplastic weathering research.

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