Investigation into the release of microplastics and metallic ions into the environment during the long-term degradation of pre-painted metals

简介：作为他们绿色协议的一部分，欧盟委员会正在调查产品在使用寿命期间产生的微塑料和化学物种(无论是有意还是无意)。欧洲卷材涂料协会(ECCA)正在发起一项调查，调查有机涂料中微塑料的形成以及预涂金属长期降解过程中化学物种的释放(“径流”)。鉴于预涂金属的耐用性(40年)，重要的是确定在此期间涂层产品形成微塑料和其他颗粒的程度(如果有的话)。虽然目前没有与这些问题相关的法规，但可以想象，未来的立法可能会要求采取减少措施，以防止微塑料和金属离子的释放。研究的目标和范围：工作的主要目标是通过以下方式确定预涂漆金属产品降解过程中微塑料和其他颗粒形成的主要机制：1.使用先进的分析技术，如UV、ATR FTIR、扫描电子显微镜和颗粒大小测定，以确定主要涂层降解的机理和速率，例如机械、UV，并了解通过腐蚀释放的有机和无机颗粒的性质。通过深度剖析和表面分析技术，了解典型气候条件如何影响腐蚀速率和涂层特性的变化。3.对涂层样品释放出的径流物质进行详细调查。加速试验结果与自然风化材料的相关性，特别关注环境释放的类型和数量。实验设计将包括以下系统的适当数量和组合：(A)聚酯、聚亚安酯、聚偏氟乙烯和塑料溶胶涂层金属。(B)镀锌钢和铝衬底。(C)会迅速降解和释放化学成分(例如聚酰胺珠)的“模型”有机涂层。建议的工作范围也可在适当的情况下扩大，包括以下主题：(I)确定释放的物种在环境中的命运，例如生物积累的地点。(Ii)一旦释放到环境中，进一步的降解机制。(Iii)释放的物种对环境的影响，例如生物毒性的证据。预测的结果：该项目将使人们了解有机物质和金属离子可能释放到环境中的情况。这可能使ECCA成员能够在减少对环境影响的情况下配制出改进的有机涂料，从而保持产品在欧洲市场的竞争地位。

Introduction:The European Commission, as part of their Green Deal, are investigating the generation (intentional or not) of microplastics and chemical species from products during their service life. The European Coil Coating Association (ECCA) is sponsoring an investigation into the formation of microplastics from the organic coating and the release ("run-off") of chemical species during the long-term degradation of prepainted metals. Given the durability of prepainted metals (>40 years), it is important to establish the extent (if any) of microplastic and other particulate formation from the coated product over this period. Whilst there is no current regulation related to these issues, it is conceivable that future legislation may require abatement measures to prevent release of both microplastics and metallic ions.Objective and scope of the study:The primary objective of the work is to identify the main mechanisms for microplastic and other particulate formation during the degradation of the prepainted metal product through:1. The use of advanced analytical techniques such as UV, ATR FTIR, SEM and particle sizing to determine the mechanism and rates of major coating degradation e.g. mechanical, UV and to understand the nature of the organic and inorganic particulates released through erosion.2. Understanding how representative climatic conditions affect the rates of erosion and changes in coating characteristics using through depth profiling and surface analysis techniques. 3. Detailed investigation of the run-off material released from the coated samples.4. Correlation of accelerated testing results with naturally weathered material with particular focus on the types and quantity of environmental release.5. Quantification of the total yearly releases from outdoor prepainted metal exposure, over the whole of the EU.The experimental design will include an appropriate number and combination of the following systems:(a) Polyester, polyurethane, PVDF and plastisol coated metal.(b) Zinc-coated steel and aluminium substrates.(c) "Model" organic coatings which will rapidly degrade and release chemical components e.g. polyamide beads.The proposed scope of work could also be extended, where appropriate, to include such topics as:(i) Determining the fate of the released species in the environment e.g. locations for bioaccumulation.(ii) Further degradation mechanisms once released into the environment.(iii) Impact of the released species on the environment e.g. evidence for biotoxicity.Predicted Outcomes:The project will provide an understanding for the potential release of organic material and metallic ions into the environment. This may enable ECCA members to formulate improved organic coatings with reduced environmental impact which will maintain the competitive position of the products in the European market.