Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising solution for increasing biodegradability of current polymer blends, such as those containing polyethylene (PE) and wood flour. Seven plastic polymer composites containing varying ratios of PLA, PE, and wood flour were examined for their biodegradability under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Standard ISO 14851 (1999), and 14853 (1999) were used to measure aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation, respectively.  Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of all samples and controls were measured over 33 days. The rate of biodegradation under aerobic conditions was calculated from the mass of cumulative oxygen consumption, according to the chemical oxygen demand previously determined on each material. Additionally, the biomethanisation potential (BMP) and rate of anaerobic biodegradation were calculated after 79 days, at 30°C. Results show insignificant biodegradation in the PLA control material as well as in the other sample composites under anaerobic conditions. Results from the test for biodegradability under aerobic conditions showed some positive stability characteristics of PLA, enabling our composites to be used in many applications before being able to biodegrade at temperatures higher than 30°C. A composite produced with a cellulosic filler and PLA polymer blend could be used for environmental applications at room temperature even without significantly fast degradation while still yielding a consistent reduction in the carbon footprint.<br/> <br/>International Standardisation, ISO 14851. Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium - method by measuring the oxygen demand in a closed respirometer, 1999.<br/> <br/>International Standardisation, ISO 14853. Determination of the ultimate anaerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous system - method by measurement of biogas production, 1999.

Elaboration, characterization & biodegradation of partially bio-based polymer composites in aerobic and anaerobic conditions

255th National Meeting (2018)

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