Biodegradation of starch-containing plastics
1990
Gould, J.M. | Gordon, S.H. | Dexter, L.B. | Swanson, C.L.
Plastic composites containing high levels of gelatinized corn starch (20-40% dry weight basis) in combination with petrochemical-based, hydrocarbon polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (EAA) are being developed in an effort to facilitate the breakdown, or metabolism, of the composites by living organisms. Starch in films composed of starch/EAA and starch/PE/EAA was resistant to degradation by some amylolytic bacteria tested, but was readily metabolized by others. Spectroscopic analysis of starch-containing plastic films indicated that, in some cases, almost all of the starch component could be removed from the film within 20-30 days by these organisms. PE and EAA were not affected by the microorganisms tested after up to 60 days incubation. Tensile strength of the films decreased as the starch component was metabolized, facilitating physical disintegration of the films by mechanical actions.
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