Digital Library / STP / STP548-EB / STP38912S


Pros and Cons of Biodegradation
Patterson WA


Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1973


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Source: STP548-EB


Abstract
Durability in plastics has been a cherished research objective. For those plastics, however, which may end up in litter or in landfills, durability is now considered by some as undesirable. One result has been plastics which will disintegrate when exposed to ultraviolet light with ultimate biodegradation postulated. This paper questions the principles on which this development is based and concludes that it will not solve any environmental problems, and it is not a conservation measure.


Keywords:
flexibility, polymers, biodeterioration, photodegradation, earth fills, recycling, reclamation, conservation

Paper ID: STP38912S
Committee/Subcommittee: F02.70
DOI: 10.1520/STP38912S
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