Biodegradability evaluation of polymers by ISO 14855-2

Int J Mol Sci. 2009 Aug 18;10(8):3635-3654. doi: 10.3390/ijms10083635.

Abstract

Biodegradabilities of polymers and their composites in a controlled compost were described. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were employed as biodegradable polymers. Biodegradabilities of PCL and PLA samples in a controlled compost were measured using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) according to ISO 14855-2. Sample preparation method for biodegradation test according to ISO/DIS 10210 was also described. Effects of sizes and shapes of samples on biodegradability were studied. Reproducibility of biodegradation test of ISO 14855-2 by MODA was confirmed. Validity of sample preparation method for polymer pellets, polymer film, and polymer products of ISO/DIS 10210 for ISO 14855-2 was confirmed.

Keywords: ISO 14855-2; ISO/DIS 10210; biodegradability; compost; evaluation; poly(lactic acid); polycaprolactone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biomass
  • Green Chemistry Technology / standards*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism*
  • Lactic Acid / standards
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Polyesters / metabolism*
  • Polyesters / standards
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / metabolism*
  • Polymers / standards
  • Soil Microbiology

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • polycaprolactone
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)