Polymers have been developed to perform a variety of functions that are central to modern living. Cosmetic and personal care products (CPCPs) contain a wide array of polymeric ingredients which are identified by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). An INCI name often represents several polymers with different physical and chemical properties. This often leads to one INCI named polymer existing as several physical forms. For example, polyethylene can exist as a solid plastic microbead or a non-plastic wax thickening agent. The state of a polymer may influence the type of hazard a polymeric ingredient may pose. For example, particulate polymers (e.g., microplastic) have been associated with physical effects on organisms, such as blockage of fish gastrointestinal tracts. It is therefore important to know the physical state of a polymer so that the most appropriate hazard testing strategy can be employed. The physical form of a polymeric ingredient may change several times during the life-cycle of an ingredient. For example, the physical state of a polymer can be changed during the formulation process, during use and after disposal. After disposal, it is possible that a polymer’s physical state can be altered by wastewater treatment processes (e.g., ozonation) as well as the through the action of environmental factors (e.g., weathering and microbial). Herein, we study physical state of polymer in native versus formulation state through neutron scattering methodologies.

Investigating the physchemical properties and membrane interaction of potentially hazardous micro and nanoplastics/polymers used in personal care products

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.