Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Masters in Chemical Science
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Marina Koether
Second Advisor
Dr. Heather Abbott-Lyon
Third Advisor
Dr. Mark Mitchell
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a huge problem in the world. Plastics can be oxidized in the environment due to UV radiation. Carbonyl Index is a measure of oxidation and is determined by ATR-FTIR. Contact angle is the measure of hydrophilicity and is determined by a goniometer. In the environment, plastics undergo oxidation which increases hydrophilicity. This study compares three different plastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, for oxidation and hydrophilicity. These plastics have undergone weathering via UV radiation over time. Results will show the relationship between carbonyl index and contact angle. As carbonyl index increases, contact angle decreases. While there is a general trend between the two, the actual values for each plastic are different. This knowledge will help future forensic scientists determine the age of plastics discovered at crime scenes.
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Materials Chemistry Commons, Organic Chemistry Commons, Physical Chemistry Commons, Polymer Chemistry Commons