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. 2023 May 23;13(23):15566–15574. doi: 10.1039/d3ra02169f

Types, properties and sources of common microplastic waste constituents.

Plastic class Density (g cm−1) Products and typical origin
High-density polyethylene HDPE 0.96 Toys, solution containers, tubing
Low-density polyethylene LDPE 0.92 Bags, plastic wrap, containers
Polypropylene PP 0.90 Food packaging, pipes, microwavable lunch box
Polyvinyl chloride PVC 1.40 Floor panels, piping, cable enclosures
Polystyrene PS 1.02–1.05 Foamed foam, insulation material
Polyethylene terephthalate PET 1.55 Water bottles, fabric
Polyamides PA 1.02–1.14 Adhesive, fabric
Polymethylmethacrylate PMMA 1.18 Plates, plexiglas
Polycarbonate PC 1.36 Insulators, medical tubes, instrument casings
Polyurethane PU 1.01∼1.03 Artificial leather, foam, adhesive