Exploring the Biodegradation Potential of Polyethylene Through a Simple Chemical Test Method

Near room-temperature thermocatalysis: a promising avenue for the degradation of polyethylene using NiCoMnO4 powders

“…This can be attributed to the incorporation of oxygen into the polymer chain as a consequence of oxidation and the rate of oxygen incorporation is higher than that of the volatiles escaping. 31 Meanwhile, the trend of weight change is in agreement with that of the C.I. (Fig.…”

Effect of Degrading Transparent Oxo-Biodegradable Polyethylene Plastic Bags to Water Quality

“…To accelerate the degradation process of PE, pro-oxidants are added. Under the presence of oxygen and either UV radiation or heat, these pro-oxidants catalyze the oxidation of the hydroperoxides present in PE, forming products of lower molecular weights that are susceptible to microbial attack [4][5][6]. However, these plastics are still under the risk of being improperly handled and disposed and may still find their way into bodies of water.…”

Recycling Oxidized Model Polyethylene Powder as a Degradation Enhancing Filler for Polyethylene/Polycaprolactone Blends

“…Biodegradable or so-called oxo-degradable films have been proposed as one possible solution. , However, biodegradable films are often significantly more expensive than polyethylene films, whereas the degradation of oxo-degradable films has not been convincingly demonstrated under relevant environmental conditions. − The principle of oxo-degradable films is through addition of pro-oxidants accelerate the inherent abiotic degradation mechanisms, i.e., thermo-and photo-oxidative degradation of polyethylene films. , The aim of this first step is to break polyethylene down to oxidized low molecular weight compounds that could be susceptible to further biodegradation. , However, realization of the first rate limiting step has proven difficult under accelerated or simulated laboratory tests − and reaching the degree of oxidation required for total biodegradation under natural conditions seems extremely difficult without a more efficient design principle.…”