Experimental and computational studies of the surface interactions between polyethylene microspheres, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and kaolinite and montmorillonite clay mineral particles

Since the end of the 20th century plastic pollution has become ubiquitous. Plastic can be found in the hydrosphere, in soils, and even in foods. The purpose of this study is to better understand the surface interactions between polyethylene microspheres, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and kaolinite and montmorillonite clay mineral particles from both experimental and computational aspects. A particle size analyzer was used to understand the clay particle sizes before and after filtrations. Thermodynamic values such as H and S was used to better understand the surface interaction through knowledge of this energy exchange. Comparing the theoretical information given through computations with the accumulated experimentation data helped in the understanding of these surface interactions. ITC data shows the effect of the presence of microplastic in correlation with the all in one titrator graphs.