Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Summary
Plastics have undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to society, but the recapturing and reclaiming of plastic materials faces technological and measurement challenges. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is at the forefront of plastic recapture and reclamation measurement science, working to develop innovative methods and technologies for analyzing quantities, types, sources, and potential solutions related to used plastics. NIST is a global leader in the field of plastic measurement, and provides essential tools and resources for researchers, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Description
Plastics are a complex mixture of various types of polymers with different chemical structures, shapes, and chemical additives. From microscopic nanoplastics (as small as 1 nm) to large megaplastics (over 1 m), plastic poses significant measurement science challenges. By developing accurate methods for identifying and quantifying plastic particles, researchers can better understand the sources, transport, fate, and impacts of plastic globally. This information is essential for developing targeted solutions, such as source reduction and recycling initiatives.
Programs and Projects
Efforts within the Biochemical and Exposure Science Group (BESG) are focused on the development of new methods and technologies for identifying and quantifying plastic particles and chemical components of plastics to aid in their identification and reuse. The BESG provides methods through technology transfer to stakeholders.
- Plastic Recycling Research
- Quantification and Characterization of Marine Plastics
- Quantification and Characterization of Plastic Additives
- Reference Materials for Plastic Measurement Science
Much of the work described here is in collaboration with the Hawaii Pacific University Center for Marine Debris Research