Biodegradation generally refers to the decomposition of microorganisms. The microorganisms that exist in nature decompose substances without negative impact on the environment. The degree of degradation is called degradation index. Biodegradable materials refer to materials that can be completely decomposed into low molecular compounds by microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi and algae, etc.) under appropriate and demonstrable natural environment conditions.
Tools/Materials
Polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, aliphatic aromatic copolyester
method/step
1.Biodegradation generally refers to the decomposition of microorganisms. The microorganisms that exist in nature decompose substances without negative impact on the environment. The degree of degradation is called degradation index. Biodegradable materials refer to materials that can be completely decomposed into low-molecular-weight compounds by microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi and algae, etc.) under appropriate and demonstrable natural environment conditions.
3.Mix the sample material with the compost inoculum and put it in a composting container. Under certain conditions of oxygen, temperature (58±2C), and humidity (50-55%), conduct sufficient composting, and measure the degradation of the material after 45 days. The final release of CO2 (can be extended to 6 months), the ratio of the actual release of CO2 to its theoretical maximum release is used to represent the biodegradation rate of the material.