Poly Butylene Succinate Research Articles

Effect of processing conditions on the rheological and mechanical properties of composites based on a PBS matrix and enzymatically treated date palm fibers

Abstract The rheological properties of biocomposites can change depending on the polymer, fiber type, fiber size and processing conditions. In this work, biodegradable PBS composites filled with raw and enzymatically treated date palm fibers were processed using an internal mixer. The influence of the processing conditions, namely filler concentration, rotor of the mixer rotational speed, as well as the type of the enzymatic fiber treatment on PBS (Poly Butylene Succinate)/date palm fiber composites were studied by measuring the torque and the temperature in real time during melt processing. A rheological analysis was also carried out by performing time and multi-wave-frequency sweeps. It was found that the stabilization torque increased with increasing fiber loading and rotor rotational speed, indicating a higher viscosity. An enhancement of the melting process occurred with modified fibers, which was explained by the decrease in the fiber diameter, denoting cellulose micro-fibrils separation by enzymes action. These composites were characterized by a better thermal resistance and mechanical stiffness compared to those based on raw fibers at the same loading rate.

Micromechanical Deformation Processes and Failure of PBS Based Composites Containing Ultra-Short Cellulosic Fibers for Injection Molding Applications.

The use of biobased thermoplastic polymers has gained great attention in the last years as a potential alternative to fossil-based thermoplastic polymers. Biobased polymers in fact offer advantages not only in terms of reduced dependence on fossil resources but they also lower the CO2 footprint in accordance with sustainability and climate protection goals. To improve the properties of these materials, reinforcement with biobased fibers is a promising solution; however, it must be kept in mind that the fibers aspect ratio and the interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and the matrix plays an important role influencing both physical and mechanical properties of the biocomposites. In this paper, the possibility of producing composites by injection molding, based on polybutylene succinate and ultra-short cellulosic fibers has been explored as a potential biobased solution. Thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were investigated, paying particular attention to the local micromechanical deformation processes, investigated by dilatometric tests, and failure mechanisms. Analytical models were also applied to predict the elastic and flexural modulus and the interfacial properties of the biocomposites. Good results were achieved, demonstrating the that this class of biocomposite can be exploited. Compared to pure PBS, the composites with 30 wt.% of cellulose fibers increased the Young's modulus by 154%, the flexural modulus by 130% and the heat deflection temperature by 9%.

Polybutylene Succinate Processing and Evaluation as a Micro Fibrous Graft for Tissue Engineering Applications.

A microfibrous tubular scaffold has been designed and fabricated by electrospinning using poly (1,4-butylene succinate) as biocompatible and biodegradable material. The scaffold morphology was optimized as a small diameter and micro-porous conduit, able to foster cell integration, adhesion, and growth while avoiding cell infiltration through the graft's wall. Scaffold morphology and mechanical properties were explored and compared to those of native conduits. Scaffolds were then seeded with adult normal human dermal fibroblasts to evaluate cytocompatibility in vitro. Haemolytic effect was evaluated upon incubation with diluted whole blood. The scaffold showed no delamination, and mechanical properties were in the physiological range for tubular conduits: elastic modulus (17.5 ± 1.6 MPa), ultimate tensile stress (3.95 ± 0.17 MPa), strain to failure (57 ± 4.5%) and suture retention force (2.65 ± 0.32 N). The shown degradation profile allows the graft to provide initial mechanical support and functionality while being colonized and then replaced by the host cells. This combination of features might represent a step toward future research on PBS as a biomaterial to produce scaffolds that provide structure and function over time and support host cell remodelling.

The Production and Physical Characterization of Polybutylene Succinate Multifilament Yarns

There are significant problems in the production, use and waste management of petroleum-based polymers due to the increasing plastic waste problem, exceeding limit of the greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing fossil resources. The textile sector is the second sector that causes the plastic waste problem after the packaging sector. About 65% of the total yarn produced in the textile industry consists of yarns obtained from petroleum-based polymers. Biopolymers come to the fore in studies carried out within the scope of sustainability philosophies such as using of renewable raw materials, recycling at the end of their life and decomposition without harming the nature. In this study, it is aimed to produce biobased and biodegradable polybutylene succinate (PBS) polymer into multifilament yarn by melt spinning method and examine the effect of different winder speeds on the textile values of PBS yarns. In this context, multifilament yarns with round cross-sections were produced at 4 various winder speeds. The linear density, elongation (at Fmax) and tenacity of the produced yarns were obtained by performing analyzes, and also cross-sectional images of the filaments were also taken. The results suggested that the elongation (at Fmax) and dtex values decrease, and the tenacity value increases due to increasing winder speed. Additionally, the cross-section properties of the PBS multifilament yarn are smooth round sections and that the filaments in a yarn have similar diameters to each other.

Biocomposite fabrication from pilot-scale steam-exploded coconut fiber and PLA/PBS with mechanical and thermal characterizations

Biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites from steam-exploded coconut fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic were developed in this study. Biocomposite filaments and samples were produced using a commercial-scale screw extruder and a 3D printer, respectively. In-depth mechanical and thermal analyses were also performed. The results showed that the tensile strengths of PLA mixed with 3% coconut fiber (PLA97/F3) and 6% coconut fiber (PLA94/F6) decreased by approximately 22% and 23%, respectively, compared to the 64% reduction of that of the original PLA after four-week storage. The bending modulus of the PLA/fiber composite was better than that of the original PLA (21–29% higher), whereas a 5–8% improvement was observed for the PLA/PBS/fiber composites. The impact strengths of PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 were approximately 8.5% and 7.4% higher than those of the original PLA and PLA/PBS, respectively. During the degradation test, both PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 exhibited higher tensile strengths than the original materials. Finally, this research presents encouraging results for the production of biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites that are applicable to 3D printing platforms. The final products can be used as replacement or aftermarket components of automobiles.

Biodegrading plastics with a synthetic non-biodegradable enzyme

<h2>Summary</h2> Biodegradation of plastics through the use of enzymes provides an attractive, environmentally friendly solution to dispose of and recycle plastic wastes. Although many natural and engineered plastic-degrading enzymes have been developed, their practical applications are hindered by their biodegradation in open environments. We reasoned that most popularly used plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are achiral and hence can be hydrolyzed by both the l- and d-amino acid versions of plastic-degrading enzymes. Here, we chemically synthesized a mirror-image version of the 231-aa PET hydrolase, which is capable of efficiently degrading a variety of plastics such as PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) but meanwhile itself is resistant to biodegradation by soil extract and seawater from the environment. The synthetic mirror-image PET hydrolase demonstrates the potential of a new class of plastic-degrading, non-biodegradable mirror-image enzymes to help address the plastic pollution problem in our homochiral biosphere.

Overview of the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of biobased and/or biodegradable thermoplastic materials

This study gives an overview of the most relevant processing and performance properties of a wide selection of biobased and biodegradable plastic materials that are currently commercially available. It provides the most extensive and up-to-date scientific overview of critical properties of biobased and biodegradable plastics. Materials that are tested include fully biobased polymers (polylactic acid, polyethylene, polyamide 10,10 and a range of polyhydroxy alkanoates), partially biobased polymers (polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, an isosorbide based polycarbonate, a thermoplastic urethane and a starch based blend) and a number of fossil-based materials (polycaprolactone, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyglycolic acid and polypropylene). The mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact resistance and hardness), thermal (glass transition temperature, melting temperature, melt-flow index and haul-off force) and barrier (oxygen transmission rate, water vapour transmission rate) properties of all these materials were measured and are presented in a comprehensive overview. This overview shows that the majority of functionalities that are currently being offered by fossil based polymers can be met by biobased alternatives and by biodegradable materials if this is considered to be favourable at end-of-life.

Enhanced biofilm formation and denitrification in slow sand filters for advanced nitrogen removal by powdery solid carbon sources addition

Slow sand filter (SSF) is reliable for its economical convenience but is limited by low NO3−-N removal effect and long start-up time. In this study, the feasibilities of powdery poly butylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as solid carbon sources for enhanced nitrogen removal in SSFs were investigated. Results suggested that the PBS with 200 mesh (PBS200) was with better carbon release capacity than PCL with 200 mesh (PCL200). During the start-up phase, SSF added PBS200 (SSFPBS) was found to achieve stable after 8-day adaptation, and 94.2 % NO3−-N and 78.9 % TN would be removed. Though a relative longer start-up time was required in SSFPBS than SSF added PCL200 (SSFPCL), the cost and the risk of secondary pollution caused by excessive COD was lower in SSFPBS. Analyses to biomass and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) revealed that the biofilm structure in SSFPBS was more stable, which was because of higher biodiversity and biomass, as well as higher proteins and lower CO, OCO in EPS. For the study of optimizing the operating performance of SSFPBS (quartz sand/PBS200, 24:1), the results suggested that 90 % NO3−-N could be removed from municipal secondary effluent under the flow rate of 0.07 m/h. Besides, 33 % COD was further removed by two stage filter system. This study demonstrated that powdery PBS-based SSF is a promising technique to eliminate nitrate‑nitrogen pollution.

Sequential Infiltration Synthesis of Al2O3 in Biodegradable Polybutylene Succinate: Characterization of the Infiltration Mechanism.

The introduction of inorganic materials into biopolymers has been envisioned as a viable option to modify the optical and structural properties of these polymers and promote their exploitation in different application fields. In this work, the growth of Al2O3 in freestanding ∼30-μm-thick poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films by sequential infiltration (SIS) at 70 °C via trimethylaluminum (TMA) and H2O precursors was investigated for the first time. The incorporation of Al2O3 into the PBS matrix was clearly demonstrated by XPS analysis and SEM-EDX cross-sectional images showing a homogeneous Al2O3 distribution inside the PBS films. Raman measurements on infiltrated freestanding PBS show a reduction of the signal related to the ester carbonyl group as compared to pristine freestanding PBS films. Accordingly, FTIR and NMR characterization highlighted that the ester group is involved in polymer–precursor interaction, leading to the formation of an aliphatic group and the concomitant rupture of the main polymeric chain. Al2O3 mass uptake as a function of the number of SIS cycles was studied by infiltration in thin PBS films spin-coated on Si substrates ranging from 30 to 70 nm. Mass uptake in the PBS films was found to be much higher than in standard poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, under the same process conditions. Considering that the density of reactive sites in the two polymers is roughly the same, the observed difference in Al2O3 mass uptake is explained based on the different free volume of these polymers and the specific reaction mechanism proposed for PBS. These results assessed the possibility to use SIS as a tool for the growth of metal oxides into biopolymers, paving the way to the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid materials with tailored characteristics.

Study of the Structure of Polybutylene Succinate Modified with Malic Acid and Its Ester

Study of the Structure of Polybutylene Succinate Modified with Malic Acid and Its Ester

Identification of microplastics in human placenta using laser direct infrared spectroscopy

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, including in food and drinking water. Consequently, there is growing concern about the human health risks associated with microplastic exposure through diet. However, the occurrence of microplastics in the human body, particularly in mothers and fetuses, is incompletely understood because of the limited amount of data on their presence in the body and the human placenta. This study evaluated the presence and characteristics of microplastics in 17 placentas using laser direct infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected in all placenta samples, with an average abundance of 2.70 ± 2.65 particles/g and a range of 0.28 to 9.55 particles/g. Among these microplastics, 11 polymer types were identified. The microplastics were mainly composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 43.27 %), polypropylene (PP, 14.55 %), and polybutylene succinate (PBS, 10.90 %). The sizes of these microplastics ranged from 20.34 to 307.29 μm, and most (80.29 %) were smaller than 100 μm. Most of the smaller microplastics were fragments, but fibers dominated the larger microplastics (200–307.29 μm). Interestingly, the majority of PVC and PP were smaller than 200 μm. This study provides a clearer understanding of the shape, size, and nature of microplastics in the human placenta. Importantly, these data also provide crucial information for performing risk assessments of the exposure of fetuses to microplastics in the future.

Acceleration of Polybutylene Succinate Biodegradation by Terribacillus sp. JY49 Isolated from a Marine Environment.

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a bioplastic substitute for synthetic plastics that are made from petroleum-based products such as polyethylene and polypropylene. However, the biodegradation rate of PBS is still low and similar to that of polylactic acid (PLA). Moreover, our knowledge about degrader species is limited to a few fungi and mixed consortia. Here, to identify a bacterial degrader to accelerate PBS degradation, we screened and isolated Terribacillus sp. JY49, which showed significant degradability. In order to optimize solid and liquid culture conditions, the effect of factors such as temperature, additional carbon sources, and salt concentrations on degradation was confirmed. We observed a degradation yield of 22.3% after 7 days when adding 1% of glucose. Additionally, NaCl was added to liquid media, and degradation yield was decreased but PBS films were broken into pieces. Comparing the degree of PBS degradation during 10 days, the degradation yield was 31.4% after 10 days at 30 °C. Alteration of physical properties of films was analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). In addition, Terribacillus sp. JY49 showed clear zones on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), and copolymers such as P(3HB-co-3HV) and P(3HV-co-4HB), exhibiting a broad spectrum of degradation activities on bioplastics. However, there was no significant difference in absorbance when esterase activity was examined for different types of bioplastics. Overall, Terribacillus sp. JY49 is a potential bacterial strain that can degrade PBS and other bioplastics, and this is the first report of Terribacillus sp. as a bioplastic degrader.

Identification and Quantification of Micro-Bioplastics in Environmental Samples by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Bioplastics are materials that are biobased and/or biodegradable, but not necessarily both. Concerns about environmental plastic pollution are constantly growing with increasing demand for substituting fossil-based plastics with those made using renewable resource feedstocks. For many conventional bioplastics to completely decompose/degrade, they require specific environmental conditions that are rarely met in natural ecosystems, leading to rapid formation of micro-bioplastics. As global bioplastic production and consumption/use continue to increase, there is growing concern regarding the potential for environmental pollution from micro-bioplastics. However, the actual extent of their environmental occurrence and potential impacts remains unclear, and there is insufficient mass concentration-based quantitative data due to the lack of quantitative analytical methods. This study developed and validated an analytical method coupling pressurized liquid extraction and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with thermochemolysis to simultaneously identify and quantify five targeted micro-bioplastics (i.e., polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) in environmental samples on a polymer-specific mass-based concentration. The recovery of spiked micro-bioplastics in environmental samples (biosolids) ranged from 74 to 116%. The limits of quantification for the target micro-bioplastics were between 0.02 and 0.05 mg/g. PLA and PBAT were commonly detected in wastewater, biosolids, and sediment samples at concentrations between 0.07 and 0.18 mg/g. The presented analytical method enables the accurate identification, quantification, and monitoring of micro-bioplastics in environmental samples. This study quantified five micro-bioplastic types in complex environmental samples for the first time, filling in gaps in our knowledge about bioplastic pollution and providing a useful methodology and important reference data for future research.

Using in vitro bioassays to guide the development of safer bio-based polymers for use in food packaging.

Petroleum-based polymers traditionally used for plastic packaging production have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA). Bio-based polymers are potentially safer alternatives, and many can be sustainably sourced from waste streams in the food industry. This study assesses bio-based polymers undergoing food packaging development for migration of endocrine disrupting leachates at the level of estrogen, androgen and progestagen nuclear receptor transcriptional activity. Reporter gene assays were coupled with migration testing, performed using standardised test conditions for storage and temperature. Test samples include nine bio-based polymers and four inorganic waste additives mixed with a traditional petroleum-based polymer, polypropylene. Thermoplastic starch material, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), two polylactic acid (PLA)/PBAT blends, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and eggshell/polypropylene (10:90) presented no significant reduction in metabolic activity or hormonal activity under any test condition. Polypropylene (PP) presented no hormonal activity. Metabolic activity was reduced in the estrogen responsive cell line after 10 days migration testing of eggshell/polypropylene (0.1:99.9) in MeOH at 40°C, and PP in MeOH and dH20. Estrogenic agonist activity was observed after 10 days in poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH at 20°C and 40°C, poultry feather based polymer in MeOH and dH2O at 40°C, and eggshell/polypropylene (40:60) and PLA in dH2O at 40°C. Activity was within a range of 0.26–0.50 ng 17β-estradiol equivalents per ml, equating to an estrogenic potency of 3–∼2800 times less than the estrogenic leachate BPA. Poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH for 10 days presented estrogenic activity at 20°C and 40°C within the above range and anti-androgenic activity at 40°C. Progestagenic activity was not observed for any of the compounds under any test condition. Interestingly, lower concentrations of eggshell or PP may eliminate eggshell estrogenicity and PP toxicity. Alternatively eggshell may bind and eliminate the toxic elements of PP. Similarly, PLA estrogenic activity was removed in both PLA/PBAT blends. This study demonstrates the benefits of bioassay guidance in the development of safer and sustainable packaging alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Manipulating the types of additives and their formulations alongside toxicological testing may further improve safety aspects.

Synthesis of polybutylene succinate via Lipase-Catalyzed Transesterification: Enzyme Stability, reuse and PBS properties in bulk polycondensations

Environmental problems involving the inappropriate disposal of non-biodegradable polymers and the production of petrochemical monomers have stimulated the interest in the development of renewable and biodegradable polymers. Among those, polybutylene succinate (PBS) has been highlighted, as it is a biodegradable polyester, synthesized from monomers that can be originated from fermentation processes. Moreover, regarding the application of biocompatible and non-toxic polymers in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas, enzymes can be considered an interesting alternative when compared to metallic catalysts. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the lipase-catalyzed bulk polycondensation of diethyl succinate and 1,4-butanediol and to evaluate the molar mass distribution of the PBS produced. The recovery of the biocatalyst for application in reuse cycles was also performed. Preliminary tests indicated an enzyme concentration of 10% by mass (regarding the monomers) and a synthesis temperature of 90 °C as the best-operating conditions, in terms of weight of collected by-product (related to the conversion of the functional groups) and the molar masses (Mw: 4,000 g.mol−1), in reactions that lasted 90 min. These conditions were used in the subsequent recycling tests of the biocatalyst. The reuse of Novozym 435 allowed for 6 cycles, with good catalytic activity in the first 4 cycles. Moreover, the loss of enzyme activity in the last cycles was recovered through enzyme partial replacement (addition of 25% of fresh enzyme to 75% of used one). The promising results of enzymatic polycondensations performed in bulk aim to contribute to the development of not only more environmentally friendly polymers but also the use of greener reaction conditions.

Synergistic modification of polylactic acid by oxidized straw fibers and degradable elastomers: A green composite with good strength and toughness

Polylactic acid-based (PLA) composites are widely used in biomedicine, electrical components, food packaging and other fields, but their unsatisfactory mechanical properties such as high brittleness and poor toughness, cause problems in functional applications. This work developed a green and environmentally friendly strategy to improve PLA mechanical properties. Flexible polybutylene succinate (PBS) and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treated straw fibers (SF) synergistically modified PLA. AHP is decomposed into a large amount of HOO-, which oxidizes the hydroxyl groups in SF to carboxyl groups to obtain oxidized straw fiber (OSF), which reacts with PLA in the molten state to form new ester bonds. The tensile strength of the OSF/PLA composite is 41.78 MPa, 38 % higher than the SF/PLA composite. The impact toughness of OSF/PBS/PLA composite is 14.47 KJ/m2 increased by 54 % after the adding PBS, while the tensile strength was also better than the control group. The synergistic action of PLA and PBS in OSF is attributed to the formation of new chemical bonds, efficient crystallization, and compatible interface. This study provides a new strategy to produce fiber-reinforced PLA composites with good toughness. It takes positive significance for developing degradable plastics with good performance and controllable cost.

Microplastics in soil ecosystems: soil fauna responses to field applications of conventional and biodegradable microplastics

Although biodegradable plastics are considered an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional plastics, the effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) on soil faunal communities are poorly understood, especially under field conditions. Here, we investigated the loading impacts of two conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs as well as two biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) MPs at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/m2 on soil fauna communities. After 40 d, all MP types did not affect the soil fauna communities. After 130 d, conventional MPs (LDPE-15 and PP-5) significantly increased the abundance of overall soil fauna—attributed mainly to changes in the abundance of Collembola; however, BMPs did not affect the soil fauna communities. Interestingly, MP-induced changes in the abundance and diversity of soil fauna showed a strong tendency to increase over time. Overall, these results indicate that the short-term effects of all MP types on soil faunal communities are inapparent, while soil fauna responses to conventional MPs and BMPs showed slight differences over time. Given these time-dependent soil fauna responses to MPs, we recommend an evaluation of the long-term effects of MPs on soil organisms to gain a comprehensive understanding of their effects on soil ecosystems.

Lamination of Cast Hemp Paper with Bio-Based Plastics for Sustainable Packaging: Structure-Thermomechanical Properties Relationship and Biodegradation Studies

Composite laminate recycling and waste disposal routes remain a burden to existing systems, requiring special treatment and separation. The inclusion of a plastic layer is important for several key properties that are required for food safety, which in turn has made these products exceptionally hard to substitute in food packaging. Yet, the continued use of non-degradable commodity plastics is unsustainable. In this research, we compare the four most promising biodegradable and bio-based plastics that could replace non-degradable plastics in laminates. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) were applied as a direct melt coating on porous cast hemp papers, and the final composite was compressed under three different loads: 0.5 MT, 1.5 MT, and 3.0 MT. To promote sustainable agriculture waste management, we opted to use cast paper made from ground hemp stalks. The formation of the composite structure was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while surface wetting on the paper side of the laminate was performed to understand structural changes induced by polymer impregnation into the paper layer. Mechanical performance properties were investigated with tensile and peel tests, and suitability for an extended range of temperatures was examined with dynamical mechanical analysis. An increase in compression pressure yielded up to a two-fold improvement in elastic modulus and tensile strength, while thermomechanical analysis revealed that the polymer’s transition into a viscoelastic state significantly affected the laminate’s storage modulus values. Biodegradation was performed in a controlled compost at 58 °C, resulting in full degradation within 40 to 80 days, with PLA and PHA laminates showing 40 and 50 days, respectively. Produced bioplastic laminates have a tremendous potential to replace polyolefin laminates in packaging applications.

Lab-scale and on-field industrial composting of biodegradable plastic blends for packaging

Background: The acceptance of compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants is not universal despite available certification for compostability due to the persistence of compostable plastic residues reported by some industrial plants. This study aims to better understand this discrepancy by comparing the disintegration rate of two compostable plastic blends designed for rigid packaging (polylactic acid based) and soft packaging (polybutylene succinate based) between a controlled lab-scale test and an on-field test in an industrial composting plant. Methods: The thermophilic lab-scale disintegration test was conducted according to ISO 20200 in triplicates for 4, 8 and 12 weeks while the on-field test was conducted by exposing duplicate test material in the compost pile of an industrial composting plant in northern Germany, for three weeks. The mass change of the remaining test material &gt;2mm was used as an indicator of disintegration. Results: The rigid packaging blend (1 mm thickness) retained on average 76.4%, 59.0% and 55.7% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively in the lab-scale test. After exposure to industrial composting on-field, the remaining mass was 97.2% and 99.5%. The soft packaging blend (109±9 µm sample thickness) retained on average 45.4%, 10.9% and 0.3% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively and 94.0% and 93.8% after exposure to industrial composting on-field. Conclusions: The results show a substantial difference in disintegration rates between the lab-scale and the on-field test after three to four weeks. The difference between the tests that might contribute significantly to the differing disintegration rates is the composition of the composting substrate. Besides the design and characteristics of the packaging itself, the composting substrate and thermophilic composting duration of individual plants are important to determine the suitability of treating compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants as well as inform potential solutions.

Biodegradability of bioplastic blown film in a marine environment

The waste created by single-use plastics is an important global issue, especially in marine environments, because they do not degrade in nature. This work aimed to study the biodegradability of bioplastic blown film, which may pose a solution to this problem. Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polylactic acid (PLA) blown films were chosen for examination of their biodegradability when submerged in sand under the seawater and when floated on the seawater surface of our experimental setup. Bioplastics were observed in comparison with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is a petroleum-based plastic. PBS blown film exhibited a faster degradation rate than PLA blown film, while LDPE blown film did not degrade in the marine environment. The biodegradability of bioplastic blown film was confirmed by physical observation, a change in the chemical functional group measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and a test of the biochemical oxygen demand of the seawater after bioplastic degradation due to ingestion by bacteria in seawater.