Poly , composting degradation

Qiua Z, Ikeharab T, Nishi T (2003) Melting behaviour of poly(butylene succinate) in miscible blends with poly(ethylene oxide). Polymer 44 3095-3099 Romen F, Reinhardt S, Jendrossek D (2(X)4) Thermotolerant poly(3-hydioxybutyrate)- degrading bacteria from hot compost and characterization of the PHB depolymerase of Schlegelella sp. KB la. Arch Microbiol 182 157-164... 

Yang HS, Yoon JS, Kim MN (2005) Dependence of biodegradability of plastics in compost on the shape of specimens. Polym Degrad Stab 87 131-135 Yasuniwa M, Tsubakihara S, Satou T, lura K (2005) Multiple melting behavior of poly(butylene succinate).II. Thermal analysis of isothermal crystallization and melting process. J Polym Sci B Polym Phys 43 2039-2047... 

The results suggest that the temperature is the predominant parameter that governs the fungal degradation of poly(/-lactide). In real compost, the kinetics of biodegradation of the poly(/-lactide) is synergetic between bacteria and fimgi. 

The poly-L-lactic acid shows high melting points and good mechanical properties. Polylactic acid degrades by hydrolysis, which has been shown to be accelerated by many enzymes. Recently, it has been found to be biodegradable in a compost environment [43, 45]. The thermoplastic material can be made stereo specific or racemic to yield different properties. 

Ohtaki A, Sato N, Nakasaki K. Biodegradation of poly-e-caprolactone under controlled composting conditions. Polym Degrad Stab 1998 61 499-505. 

The same applies to other resins snch as PLA (compostable plastic), vinyl alcohol copolymers (barrier layer and cap sealer), and poly(ethylene naphthenate) (used for additional barrier properties). These do not disperse well in the PET or HDPE base resins and can degrade the quality of the recycled resin (BoUn and Smith, 2011). Dark colors, any metal layers, adhesives not removed by water, non-plastic labels, and thermoset caps make it more difficult for PET to be recycled into a high-grade product. 

Poly(e-caprolactone) (3) (23) is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone using tin-octanoate as a catalyst (24). It is used, for example, as blown film for compost bags or in materials where it serves as a matrix for the controlled release of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The low melting point of poly(e-caprolactone) (60°C) (Table 1) limits applications, but it has good mechanical properties and is more hydrophobic than—and compatible with—many biopolymers. It is therefore widely used to modify the properties of other degradable plastics in blends (see below). 

---