Size-dependent UVB-mediated and mechanical breakdown of polystyrene nanoparticles in the presence of iron oxide

Key Points

• The research aims to investigate how the size of polystyrene nanoparticles affects their breakdown under UVB irradiation and mechanical forces.
• Examined the effects of UVB irradiation on polystyrene nanoparticles of varying sizes.
• Applied mechanical force to assess the breakdown process.
• Compared degradation rates between larger and smaller nanoparticles.
• Larger polystyrene nanoparticles broke down faster than smaller ones under UVB irradiation.
• Mechanical force significantly enhanced the breakdown of larger nanoparticles compared to smaller particles.
• The combined effect of UVB and mechanical force proved to be more effective for degrading larger particles.