# Formation Mechanisms of Micro and Nanoplastics

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Columbia University (NY) · $500,000

## Abstract

Non-technical Description
Polymers are widely used but may have unintended negative consequences, e.g., they form microplastics (sizes between 1μm and 3 mm) and nanoplastics (sizes between 10nm and 1μm), collectively termed MNPL. It is well-known that MNPL formation is triggered by (rare) bond-breaking events caused by exposure to air, water/solvent or to UV radiation, or by small external forces (e.g., polymers stretched for packaging). However, a thorough understanding of how such Å-scale bond-breaking events lead to much larger-sized fragments remains elusive. Filling the critical knowledge gap of the factors affecting MNPL formation, which could yield optimal pathways to their mitigation, is the focus of the PIs work in this area. An essential tool in this study will be the generation of data on MPNL formation and its analysis using AI and machine learning to look for hidden connections between polymer structure and ambient exposure. Such information will help to improve advanced manufacturing using these kinds of polymers. The PI will educate K-12 students, and in particular their teachers, on MNPL, and their formation mechanisms. The PI has already taught a group of 17 K-12 NYC teachers) who themselves will teach other teachers. Continuing these interactions, the PI now proposes to develop educational modules, in collaboration with K-12 teachers, to illustrate how MNPLs are created by ubiquitous processes such as shaking water in a plastic bottle, flowing water through PVC pipes, or through tire wear.

Technical Description
Based on available evidence, it is postulated that polymer morphology, i.e., amorphous, semicrystalline, or rubbers, is a critical variable in the creation of MNPL under quiescent conditions. Ambient exposure, e.g., oxygen, water, help to weaken and remove the amorphous polymer (mortar) – the crystalline portions (bricks) are then freed from each other and can go into the surroundings as MNPL. The PI hypothesizes that tailoring the mech

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2609474
- **Awardee organization:** Columbia University (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F4N1QNPB95M4
- **PI:** Sanat K Kumar
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Materials Data, Materials AI, Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2026 → 06/30/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2609474

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2609474, Formation Mechanisms of Micro and Nanoplastics. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-10 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2609474. Licensed CC0.

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