Weathering and Biological Degradation of a Bioglycerol-Based Thermoset Material

Abstract

Waste glycerol from biodiesel production (bioglycerol) can be used for obtaining rigid thermoset materials. In order to gain insights into applicability and final disposition of these renewable materials it is necessary evaluate their long-term behavior under environmental conditions as well as their biodegradability performance. A methyl methacrylate copolymer obtained from bioglycerol was subjected to weathering and biological degradation processes. The first stage of weathering degradation was evaluated using 340-nm light during 216–540 h. The material was affected slightly after 540 h aging, evidencing little chemical changes such as chains scissions as well as the formation of double bonds and hydroxyl groups due photodegradation. In the second stage of biodegradation, the polymer samples were exposed to microbial action of Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus fumigatus strains. The material showed evidences of fungi colonization and adherence to polymer surface as well as surface damage, after 30 days exposure.