The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Microplastics are widely distributed in environmental matrices, and their heterogeneous properties hinder effective separation using conventional density-based methods. In this study, an aqueous multiphase system (AMPS) composed of immiscible polymer solutions is employed as a water-based platform for microplastic separation. Within the multiphase environment, microplastic particles preferentially localize at specific phase interfaces depending on their buoyancy and interfacial stabilization. Experiments with representative microplastic types reveal density-dependent interfacial trapping behavior. In addition, post-formation modulation of the multiphase density is investigated to systematically alter particle localization without reconstructing the system. This approach demonstrates the potential of AMPSs as a scalable and environmentally benign framework that complements existing optical and density-based separation techniques.