1. Scope
This test method quantitatively determines the degree of disintegration of plastics and compostable products in pilot-scale aerobic composting units operated under defined thermophilic conditions to simulate real-world composting operations. This test method is designed to yield reproducible and repeatable test results using regular biofeedstock typically used in real-world composting operations and inoculated with mature compost to produce natural heating and real world composting conditions. In order to ensure that aerobic conditions are maintained, the temperature and oxygen concentration in the composting units are closely monitored; adjustments can be made to aeration rate to control temperature and oxygen concentration.
ASTM D6400 and D6868 requires a disintegration test to be conducted in pilot or full scale composting operations and document that 90% of the plastics will go through a 2mm sieve. Currently ISO standard is used, however there is no ASTM standard. The composters and stakeholders feel that there is need for a real world composting operations disintegration test method that simulates practises in US and Canada
Keywords
compostable plastics; biodegradation; plastics; paper; coated paper products; biobased
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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