01 Development of Degradable Plastics

Photodegradable Plastics

• Synthetic type: Introduce photosensitive groups into the polymer main chain.
• Additive type: Incorporate chemical additives with photosensitive properties.

Photo-biodegradable Plastics

Generally manufactured via the filling method, combining the synergistic degradation effects of both biological and photodegradation processes.

Oxodegradable Plastics

Add metal ions with oxidative functions.

Biodegradable Plastics

• Natural polymer type: Starch, sucrose, cellulose, etc.
• Microbial synthesis type: Polyhydroxyalkanoates, etc.
• Chemical synthesis type: Polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and other aliphatic polyesters, etc.

NoteExcept for biodegradable plastics, all other types cannot degrade rapidly and may cause microplastic pollution.

Biodegradable Vest Bags

02 Definition of Biodegradable Materials

According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), a biodegradable polymer refers to a polymer that can be degraded by microorganisms or their secretions through enzymatic or chemical decomposition under specific timeframes and appropriate natural environments.

The Committee for Practical Research on Biodegradable Plastics of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan defines it as: a polymer material that maintains the same level of functionality as existing materials during use, and can be decomposed into low-molecular-weight compounds by the action of natural microorganisms after use, ultimately breaking down into water and carbon dioxide.

Biobased Plastics Note: Biobased plastics are not equivalent to biodegradable plastics.

03 Typical Biodegradable Plastics

Requirements for Biodegradable Materials

【A】 For single-component materials (processed from a single polymer), the biodegradation rate shall be ≥ 60%.

【B】 For mixed materials, the following requirements must be met:

• Organic content ≥ 51%.
• Organic components accounting for < 1% of the mixture should also be biodegradable, though proof of biodegradability is not mandatory; the total content of such components shall be < 5%.
• The biodegradation rate shall be ≥ 60%, and each organic component accounting for ≥ 1% of the mixture shall have a biodegradation rate ≥ 60%.or
• The relative biodegradation rate of the mixture shall be ≥ 90%.

Degradation Rate Definition: The biodegradation rate refers to the ratio of the amount of carbon dioxide/methane produced by the decomposition of organic carbon in plastic materials to the theoretical amount of gas that the materials can generate. The biodegradation rate of degradable plastics shall be ≥ 90%.

04 National Standards for Degradable Plastics

Nationally recognized testing institutions: Laboratories with CNAS and CMA certifications.

Article Title: A Comprehensive Summary of Degradable Plastic Knowledge: From Material Classification to Product Standards URL: https://en.szxylp.com/technical-data/a-comprehensive-summary-of-degradable-plastic-knowledge-from-material-classification-to-product-standards.html