Bioassimilation of Photo-biodegradable Plastics

Bioerosion occurs without change in molar mass of the bulk polymer, confirming that the microbial attack is initially in the oxidation-modified polymer surface and progression into the polymer depends on the continuation of peroxidation catalysed by transition metal ions. The bacterial colonies also produce oxidase enzymes e.g. cytochrome P-450) which produce superoxide and hydrogen peroxide from oxygen of the environment. The latter in turn gives highly reactive hydroxyl 

Field experience has demonstrated the reality of bioassimilation in practice. Plastor S-G has been in continuous use on the same fields for up to 15 years with no accumulation of plastic film or degradation products. The fact that leaching media do not remove degradation products from the surface of polyethylene film in the presence of soil microflora provides assurance that polyolefins peroxidation products present no threat to the environment. 

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