Abstract
Biodegradabilities of polymers and their composites in a controlled compost were described. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were employed as biodegradable polymers. Biodegradabilities of PCL and PLA samples in a controlled compost were measured using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) according to ISO 14855-2. Sample preparation method for biodegradation test according to ISO/DIS 10210 was also described. Effects of sizes and shapes of samples on biodegradability were studied. Reproducibility of biodegradation test of ISO 14855-2 by MODA was confirmed. Validity of sample preparation method for polymer pellets, polymer film, and polymer products of ISO/DIS 10210 for ISO 14855-2 was confirmed.
Highlights
Polymers are widely used in various industrial fields due to their merits, such as light weight, resistance to chemicals, resistance to the environment, easy processing, etc
Cellulose powders of thin-layer chromatography grade with a particle size of less than 20 μm were used. These cellulose powders were employed as a reference material for the biodegradation test in the compost using the Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA)
Biodegradation of samples based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14855-2 is evaluated by evolved carbon dioxide, since the carbon atoms from samples left in a compost can not be accurately evaluated
Summary
Polymers are widely used in various industrial fields due to their merits, such as light weight, resistance to chemicals, resistance to the environment, easy processing, etc. It is difficult for polymers to be treated after use due to their resistance to the environment. When polymers are disposed of in a natural environment, they remain for a long time without degradation. One of the solutions to this problem of polymers after use is the development of biodegradable polymers. Biodegradable polymers can be biodegraded eventually by microorganisms in the natural environment into carbon dioxide.
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