Implementation of polymer biodegradation analysis system at Federal Institute of São Paulo Itapetininga campus
Keywords:
Biodegradation. Biopolymer. Simulated soil. Thermoplastic starch. Bamboo.Abstract
Since the 20th century, polymers have gained prominence due to their low cost and versatility in packaging and various technical products. However, its durability causes serious environmental problems, such as pollution from microplastics. To reduce this damage, biodegradable polymers are produced that are decomposed by microorganisms, fungi and bacteria. This project aims to install and validate a method to analyze biodegradation, measuring the decomposition of biopolymers in only a simulated manner. The study evaluates the biodegradation of thermoplastic amide samples (TPS) and composite with 5% natural bamboo particle (TPS+5%PB), comparing mass loss and image analysis. The technique was shown to be effective in monitoring biodegradation, being implemented in the institution and used in other relevant academic studies.
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