Jung-Kai Hsu

Mr. Jung-Kai Hsu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 March 2025 in Microplastics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSara Rostampour
Sara Rostampour
SJSong Syun Jhang
Song Syun Jhang
JHJung-Kai Hsu
Jung-Kai Hsu
RCRachel Cook
Rachel Cook
YLYuejin Li
Yuejin Li
LSLi Piin Sung
Li Piin Sung
Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat, and understanding their sources and generation mechanisms is crucial for mitigation efforts. This study investigates the effects of ultraviolet intensity, temperature, and relative humidity on the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and the subsequent formation of microplastic particles. PET samples were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation under various environmental conditions using the SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) accelerated weathering device at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and laser confocal scanning microscopy (LSCM)/atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to characterize the chemical and morphological changes on the weathered surfaces. This study’s findings reveal that temperature and relative humidity significantly influence the rate of photodegradation and the characteristics of the generated microplastics. Higher temperatures and increased humidity accelerated the degradation process, leading to a higher abundance of microplastic particles. However, larger particles were observed at higher temperatures due to aggregation. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental factors when assessing the fate and transport of microplastics in the environment. Developing strategies to reduce plastic pollution and mitigate the generation of microplastics is essential for protecting ecosystems and human health.