Research of the biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable plastic material in various types of environments

Research was carried out in order to assess biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable materials made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive) or made of polyethylene (PE) with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive), advertised as 100% degradable or c...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dana Adamcová, Maja Radziemska, Joanna Fronczyk, Jan Zloch, Magdalena D. Vaverková
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Warsaw University of Life Sciences 2017-04-01
Series:Przegląd Naukowy Inżynieria i Kształtowanie Środowiska
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Online Access: http://iks.pn.sggw.pl/PN75/A1/art1.pdf
Description
Summary:Research was carried out in order to assess biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable materials made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive) or made of polyethylene (PE) with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive), advertised as 100% degradable or certifi ed as compostable within various types of environments. Research conditions were: (i) controlled composting environment – laboratory-scale, (ii) real composting conditions – domestic compost bin, (iii) real composting conditions – industrial composting plant and (iv) landfill conditions. The results demonstrate that the materials made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive) or made of polyethylene (PE) with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive) or advertised as 100% degradable did not biodegrade in any of the above-described conditions and remained completely intact at the end of the tests. Biodegradation of the certified compostable plastic bags proceeded very well in laboratory-scale conditions and in real composting conditions – industrial composting plant, however, these materials did not biodegrade in real composting conditions – domestic compost bin and landfill conditions.
ISSN:1732-9353
2543-7496