Investigating the Biodegradability of Hydrophobic Bio-based materials : Composting and Marine decomposition of bio-based materials

Abstract

This investigation aims to analyse the biodegradability of bio-based hydrophobic materials. The experiment is performed at the chemistry laboratory of Arcada UAS with the help of the supervisor. This project follows ISO 20200 for composting and SFS-EN ISO 19679 for marine biodegradability. The ISO standards should be appropriately followed to obtain the best possible results in biodegradation. The materials made from wood fibre, sugarcane fibre and biobased laboratory manufactured were used as a sample for this experimental analysis. The physical breakdown or degradation of the bio-based test material is analysed. After a month of the test, the percentage of the Degree of disintegration, i.e., the loss of the mass of the test materials, is determined at the end. This experiment visualizes the difference between the Degree of disintegration of various samples in composting and marine biodegradability. Regarding the results, the biodegradability rate of composting under controlled conditions was higher than the marine biodegradability. In composting, samples made from wood fibre have a higher rate of disintegration than those made from sugarcane fibre. The samples manufactured in the laboratory degraded within a few days, whereas the commercial paper plate samples took longer. Finally, it is recommended to use biobased materials as it creates a sustainable environment.