W3: Micro-Deval Use

Our initial testing method was using a Micro-Deval at the Racing Testing Surfaces Lab to break up the polypropylene (PP) fibers to simulate turf breakage on a field over time. We tested the fibers for two hours at 10000 rpm with 1000 g steel balls. This did not grind up the fibers as we intended, because the static within the fibers suctioned them to the sides of the container. There was also a lack of friction and chopping means, leading to virtually no evident microplastic shreds from the PP fibers.

Our next method to shred the polypropylene fibers was using a Bel-Art Micro Mill in the Barnhart Lab 151. This machine showed minimal results because of its small container size and tendency to overheat after a short period of time. We believe that the lightness of the fibers contributed to the difficulty the machine had in shredding the pieces, as the fibers got pushed to the top of the container unless the container was packed fully. 

After these two dead-end shredding responses, we reached out to our POC, Dr. Mick Peterson, about a shredder in Barnhart Lab 154. This shredder needs lubricant, so we will test the fibers in this shredder next week and quantify the results.