The biodegradation of polymers: Recent results

David, Christiane; Kesel, C. De; Lefèbvre, Frédéric; Weiland, Michèle

doi:10.1002/apmc.1994.052160102

Cited by 31 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Until now, thermal (DSC) and spectroscopic (FTIR) methods have been used to evaluate the TO‐LDPE biodegradation. However, because the initial attack generally begins with a surface colonization, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) allows direct observation of this kind of degradation 24, 25. The microorganisms' adhesion to the polymeric surface is a fundamental step in order for biodegradation to take place 26, 27…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermally treated low density polyethylene biodegradation by Penicillium pinophilum and Aspergillus niger

Volke-Sepúlveda

Saucedo‐Castañeda

Gutiérrez-Rojas

et al. 2001

J of Applied Polymer Sci

174

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Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine morphological, structural and surface changes (biodegradation) on thermo-oxidized (80°C, 15 days) low-density polyethylene (TO-LDPE) incubated with Aspergillus niger and Penicillium pinophilum fungi, with and without ethanol as cosubstrate for 31 months. TO-LDPE mineralization by fungi was also evaluated. Significantly morphological and structural final changes on biologically treated TO-LDPE samples were observed. Decreases to three units on crystallinity and crystalline lamellar thickness (0.4 -1.8 Å), and increases in small-crystals content (up to 3.2%) and mean crystallite size (8.4 -14 Å) were registered. An oxidation decrease (almost twice) on samples without ethanol with respect to the control was observed, while in those with ethanol it was increased (up to 2.5 times). Double bond index increased more than twice from 21 to 31 months. The higher TO-LDPE changes and fungi-LDPE interaction was observed in samples with ethanol, suggesting that ethanol favors the TO-LDPE biodegradation, at least in case of P. pinophilum, probably by means of a cometabolic process. Mineralization of 0.50 % and 0.57 % for A. niger, and of 0.64 % and 0.37 % for P. pinophilum were obtained, for samples with and without ethanol, respectively. A model to explain morphological and structural changes on biologically treated TO-LDPE is also proposed.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermally treated low density polyethylene biodegradation by Penicillium pinophilum and Aspergillus niger

Volke-Sepúlveda

Saucedo‐Castañeda

Gutiérrez-Rojas

et al. 2001

J of Applied Polymer Sci

174

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“…The additives accelerate the breakdown and increase the production of oxide derivatives Albertsson 1998, Ohtake 1998). This presumably promotes biodegradation with the formation of a higher level of oxides (David et al 1994). There are reports about a high rate of assimilation (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Analysis of long-term degradation behaviour of polyethylene mulching films with pro-oxidants under real cultivation and soil burial conditions

Briassoulis

Babou

Hiskakis

et al. 2014

Environ Sci Pollut Res

133

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Apart from the conventional polyethylene and the bio-based or mainly bio-based biodegradable in soil mulching films, polyethylene mulching films of controlled degradation in soil are already used in agriculture. The use of special pro-oxidants as additives is expected to accelerate the abiotic oxidation and the subsequent chain scission of the polymer under specific UV radiation or thermal degradation conditions, according to the literature. The role of pro-oxidants in the possible biodegradation of polyethylene has been theoretically supported through the use of controlled laboratory conditions. However, results obtained in real soil conditions, but also several laboratory test results, are not supporting these claims and the issue remains disputed. Mulching films made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) with pro-oxidants, after being used for one cultivation period in an experimental field with watermelon cultivation, were buried in the soil under real field conditions. This work presents the analysis of the degradation of the mulching films during the cultivation period as compared to the corresponding changes after a long soil burial period of 8.5 years. The combined effects of critical factors on the photochemical degradation of the degradable mulching LLDPE films with pro-oxidants under the cultivation conditions and their subsequent further degradation behaviour in the soil are analysed by testing their mechanical properties and through spectroscopic and thermal analysis.

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“…5. The decrease in the pH value from the 5 th to 7 th day was caused by readsorption of Ca 2+ ions and withdrawal of P from the SBF onto the glass surface to form more apatite layers, and could also be the result of contribution from acidic degradation products of the PVA, being incompletely hydrolyzed [32,33].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanical and bioactivity assessment of wollastonite/PVA composite synthesized from bentonite clay

2019

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Glass/polymer composites can mimic the natural structure of bone by possessing a fiber-matrix configuration which provides appropriate physical and biological properties. Wollastonite ceramics are known for their promising bioactivity and biocompatibility when applied in bone regeneration. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has various attractive properties including biocompatibility and degradability which may be exploited as a polymer matrix in composites for biomedical applications. Therefore, a cost-effective method of preparing wollastonite/PVA composites is desirable by starting from bentonite clay as a silica source for the glass, instead of traditional alkoxysilanes. The composite prepared was characterized by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to evaluate its compressive strength, morphology, phase composition and bioactivity, respectively. Results obtained revealed for the composite a compressive strength of 0.3 MPa, the ability to induce apatite on its surface when immersed in a simulated body fluid for 7 days and desirable controlled degradation. Hence, this method can be up-scaled for preparation of wollastonite/PVA composite commercially for possible use in bone regeneration.

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The biodegradation of polymers: Recent results

Cited by 31 publications

References 7 publications

Thermally treated low density polyethylene biodegradation by Penicillium pinophilum and Aspergillus niger

Thermally treated low density polyethylene biodegradation by Penicillium pinophilum and Aspergillus niger

Analysis of long-term degradation behaviour of polyethylene mulching films with pro-oxidants under real cultivation and soil burial conditions

Mechanical and bioactivity assessment of wollastonite/PVA composite synthesized from bentonite clay

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