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Biodegradability: An assessment of commercial polymers according to the Canadian method for anaerobic conditions

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Abstract

The degradation of several “biodegradable” polymers was measured as a result of exposure to an anaerobic medium. The polymers investigated included materials based upon polylactic acid, polylactone, and poly(hydroxy butyrate/valerate) as well as those incorporating starch-based materials. The degradation was monitored by methane and carbon dioxide evolution. In addition, the physical and chemical changes were noted as a result of exposure. These measurements included changes in mass, dimension, and molecular weight. FTIR, UV-vis, proton, and13C NMR spectra were also recorded prior to and after exposure. The results clearly indicated that several biological and chemical degradation processes were occurring with the “biodegradable” polymers studied.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Research Council Canada, Institute for Environmental Chemistry, Montreal Road, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    M. Day, K. Shaw & D. Cooney

Authors
  1. M. Day
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  2. K. Shaw
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  3. D. Cooney
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Issued as NRCC No. 37549.

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Day, M., Shaw, K. & Cooney, D. Biodegradability: An assessment of commercial polymers according to the Canadian method for anaerobic conditions. J Environ Polym Degr 2, 121–127 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02074780

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02074780

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