Composting polymers

CO2, a blank compost inoculum without an additional carbon source (polymer sample) is simultaneously tested under the same conditions. The CO2 content of the exhaust air of both vessels is compared. After subtracting the CO2 evolution of the blank inoculum, the CO2 evolution related to the test polymer is monitored and plotted as a biodegradation curve (see Fig. 1). Finally, the activity of the compost inoculum in the controlled composting test is validated using a cellulose reference instead of the polymer. In Fig. 1, the biodegradation curve of Ecoflex is depicted. After 80 days, 90% of the theoretical CO2 evolution is reached. Thus, Ecoflex is ultimately biodegradable according to the ISO standard for compostable polymers (ISO 17088), which requires 90% of the theoretical CO2 evolution within 180 days. 

Compostable polymers must pass compostability test standards that are described in the harmonised European standard EN 13432, introduced in 2000. This standard applies to Packaging and is virtually the same as the former DIN V 54900 standard. 

N. Haider and S. Karlsson, Loss of Chimassorb 944 from LDPE and identification of additive degradation products after exposure to water, air and compost, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 2001, 74, 103-112. 

Kunioka, M., Ninomiya, R, Funabashi, M., Novel evaluation method of biodegradabilities for oil-based polycaprolactone by naturally occurring radiocarbon-14 concentration using accelerator mass spectrometiy based on iso 14855-2 in controlled compost Polymer Degradation and Stahilitv. 7, 1279-1288 (2007), DOl http //dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.potymdegradstab.2007.03.028. 

It should be noted though that this list includes biodegradable and compostable polymers. European bioplastics trade group predicted the annual capacity of 1.5 million tons by 2011 [16], a number that is very similar to the COPA/COGEGA estimate. 

Rudnik, E. (2008) Compostable Polymer Materials, Elsevier, Amsterdam. 

The general situation of compostable polymer materials has been described in detail in a monograph (45). 

E. Rudnik, Compostable polymer materials, Elsevier, Amsterdam London, 2008. 

The interior panel is formed by solidifying the mixture, and has a core and an encapsulating layer. The interior panel includes the core comprising the compostable polymer. The layer encapsulating the core comprises the water impermeable polymer. The interior panel is then removed from the mold. 

Nakasaki K, Ohtaki A, Takano H (2000) Biodegradable plastic reduces ammonia emission during composting. Polym Degrad Stab 70 185-188... 

The growing environmental awareness and new rules and regulations, as well as new trends in solid waste management, have led scientists to increase activities on the design of compostable polymer materials that easify degrade under well-defined environmental conditions. 

Compostable polymer materials - definitions, structures and methods of preparation... 

Other compostable polymers from renewable resomces 25... 

The difference between biodegradable and compostable polymers lies in additional requirements related to the latter. Besides biodegradation into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass compostable polymers must fulfil other criteria such as compatibility with the composting process, no negative effect on quality of compost and a degradation rate consistent with other known composting materials. 

Compostable polymers can be divided according to source of origin or method of their preparation (Fig. 2.1). 

On the basis of origin, compostable polymers are derived from renewable and petrochemical resources. 

In general, on the basis of methods of preparation, compostable polymer materials can be prepared via ... 

A method based on blending of biodegradable polymers is very often nsed in order to improve the properties of compostable polymer materials or to decrease their cost. The various polymers used are both renewable and of petrochemical origin. Novamont s Mater-Bi is an example of such a material. 

OTHER COMPOSTABLE POLYMERS FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES 2.2,1 Cellulose... 

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