Fragmented plastic biodegradation mechanisms

Very often, parallel to the pure enzymatic degradation, there is also degradation triggered by other influences like chemical hydrolysis, UV light or heat. These influences lead to polymer chain fragmentation, which follows a different mechanism to that of the biodegradation process. In contrast to the pure biodegradation process, these processes affect the bulk of the plastic piece. 

Photodegradation chemistry has evolved into a highly practical state over the last few years to where commercial products are available and others are being evaluated. The degradation mechanisms are understood to the point of property loss for the plastics. The gap on environmental acceptability still needs attention, it is not sufficient to expect low molecular weight fragments to be biodegradable, this must be demonstrated. 

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