Do Carbonyl Index and Contact Angle Relate to Each Other?
Disciplines
Analytical Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Materials Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Polymer Chemistry
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Carbonyl index is the 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 scientist determine the age of plastics discovered at crime scenes.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Marina Koether
Do Carbonyl Index and Contact Angle Relate to Each Other?
Carbonyl index is the 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 scientist determine the age of plastics discovered at crime scenes.