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BIOPLASTICS
Timeline
Testing Procedures
Testing Procedures
Process and Method for Testing Bioplastics
As bioplastics/biopolymers are being more and more integrated into products that people use everyday, various organizations like the American Society of Testing and Measurements (ASTM) are requiring that bioplastic products be tested for their performance to see whether or not they follow industry standards and regulations.
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Procedures:
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Multiple bioplastic product samples are put in fermentation vessels along with inoculum from waste material
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Then, collection devices connected to the vessel measure waste gas produced from the bioplastic during bacterial metabolic processes
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The gas is moved to a gas chromatograph instrument and left there so it can precisely measure and record the methane and carbon dioxide levels.
Often, testing is done in labor laboratory conditions that enable bioplastics to undergo aerobic biodegradation in thermophilic temperatures that is similar to that of industrial composting sites. This method allows for accurately repeated test results to ensure that the bioplastic product meets all the requirements for its specific test. Tests can be chosen by the
customer based on the customer and their products needs so they are able to have a certain label on them. Usually, manufacturers go for the ASTM 6400 because it is compatible with all plastic materials.
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Other tests:
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ASTM D-6866, EN 13432, ISO 14855, DIN V-49000, ASTM D-5338, ASTM D-5511
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