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Bioplastics 2016
November 10-11, 2016
Volume 7 Issue 6(Suppl) J Bioremediat Biodegrad
ISSN: 2155-6199 JBRBD, an open access journal
conferenceseries .com
November 10-11, 2016 Alicante, Spain
International Conference onSustainable Bioplastics
Elena Domínguez et al., J Bioremediat Biodegrad 2016, 7:6(Suppl)
Study of the degree and speed of disintegration of PLA commercial grades as a function of material
shape and thickness
Elena Domínguez, Enrique Moliner, Eva Verdejo and María Lopez
AIMPLAS Plastics Technology Centre, Spain
Biodegradable polymers are being increasingly used in several applications, such as packaging, disposable non-wovens
and hygiene products, consumer goods and agricultural products. A wide variety of biodegradable polymers have been
developed, both frompetrochemical and renewable sources. Polylactic acid (PLA) is themost demanded biodegradable polymer
in the market, which is mainly used for the manufacture of compostable packaging. ISO 13432 establishes the requirements
for packaging to be considered as recoverable through composting and biodegradation, including the test scheme and
evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging. The test scheme typically involves the following analysis and testing:
chemical characterization (heavy metals and volatile organic compounds), biodegradation, disintegration and eco-toxicity
(of the composted product). Test on disintegration is usually the most limiting factor for plastic products to be accepted as
compostable. This paper will present the main findings of a study on the degree of disintegration of different PLA commercial
grades. Samples of pellets and sheets with various thicknesses were tested under simulated composting conditions in a lab-
scale test. The degree and speed of disintegration of these samples were measured and compared with each other. Hence, the
effect of the shape and thickness of the product on the disintegration was evaluated. Based on these findings, recommendations
for product design and waste conditioning prior to composting were provided to ensure the compostability of PLA products.
Biography
Mrs. Elena Dominguez Solera, holds a Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineer from the Universidad Politécnica of Valencia (Spain) with a Master in Technology of
Polymeric Materials and Composites. Researcher at the Department of Sustainability and Industrial Recovery of AIMPLAS since 2015. Among the activities which
carry on, are included: research in the fields of new material developments, manufacturing processes, recycling/recovery of materials and eco-design. She also has
experience in the field of bioplastics/biocomposites and implements laboratory tests (according to established standards and relevant legislation) for determination
of biodegradability (in different environments) and compostability of these materials.