Abstract
In this paper, the degradability of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and thermoplastic dialdehyde starch (TPDAS) under controlled composting conditions was investigated and a manual set-up was built according to ISO 14855 for this purpose. Chemical modification of starch can have a major impact on the biodegradation rate and final biodegradation percentage. The TPS degraded faster than TPDAS under controlled composting conditions. For the TPDAS, the degradation rate and final biodegradation percentage were closely related to the degree of oxidation of dialdehyde starch (DAS). The possible reason was also discussed. The biodegradation process of TPS and TPDAS exhibited three phases or stages with different degradation speeds. The biodegradation in the first phase was slow, accelerated in the second phase and leveled off in the third phase. Three kinds of actinomycete were isolated from the compost and identified as micromonospora, nocardia and streptomycete, which were degrading microorganisms of the starch tested. The abilities of these strains to decompose the TPS and TPDAS were also discussed.
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