Biodegradation of polycaprolactone in plant treatment active sludge

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Abstract
The object of this study was the degradation of polycaprolactone films in a living composting environment with plant treatment active sludge. The incubation of polymer samples took place in the compost for a period up to 3 months. There are presented the characteristic parameters of plant treatment active sludge: temperature, pH, dry mass and activity of dehydrogenesis and their influence on degradation of polycaprolactone is discussed. The changes of weight, tensile strength, microhardness and morphology during experiment were tested. Enzymatic activity is resulted in surface erosion. Microscopical observations show deterioration of polycaprolactone surface. Hydrolysis (“bulk process”) is also contributed (onset of weight loss). The decreasing of weight and mechanical properties are observed after each period of incubation. The increase in the microhardness during first period of biodegradation can be directly proportional to the increase in crystallinity, because amorphous regions are degraded first what is confirmed by microscopical observation. The complete degradation of polycaprolactone in compost with plant treatment active sludge in living environment takes place after short period of time (3 month).