Weathering effects on cellulose acetate microplastics from discarded cigarette buttsMušič, Branka (Avtor) Sever Škapin, Andrijana (Avtor) cellulose acetatecigarette filtersmicroplasticsartificial weatheringpolymer degradationCellulose acetate, commonly used in cigarette filters, poses environmental concerns due to its questionable (bio)degradability and prevalent presence in nature. This study compares the weathering effects on two types of cigarette filters: traditional and newer filters used in heated tobacco devices (HTP). Microplastics were derived from used cigarette parts and then subjected to artificial aging. Analytical techniques (Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry TG/DSC, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis (FTIR)) and loose bulk density measurements were employed pre- and post-aging cellulose acetate of both types of samples. Despite increasing evidence influencing European Union (EU) directives on tobacco product disposal, there's a lack of systematic analysis on the weathering impact, especially concerning the touted environmental benefits of newer filters. Results indicate decreased particle size in cellulose acetate filters post-aging. Variances were observed in thermal behavior, yet FTIR spectra remained unchanged.University of Ljubljana Press20242024-03-12 08:50:58Neznano18389UDK: 620.1/.2DOI: 10.55295/PSL.2024.I21COBISS_ID: 188455171OceCobissID: 186758147sl© 2024 by the authors.