Oxo-degradation is defined by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in TR15351 as “degradation identified as resulting from oxidative cleavage of macromolecules”. In contrast, CEN defines oxo-biodegradation as “degradation resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either simultaneously or successively”. The crucial difference, therefore, is that oxo-biodegradation features an additional biodegradation […]
FAQ Category: Technology and Manufacturing
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In the open environment, TDPA™ plastics undergo oxidative degradation (whereby high molecular weight polymers are broken into shorter chains), followed by biodegradation (where micro-organisms consume and bio-assimilate the short chains produced by the initial oxidative degradation). TDPA™ acts as a catalyst for oxidative degradation, thereby driving degradation and biodegradation of plastic products. […]
TDPA™ plastics are recyclable in conventional recycling streams, without needing segregation from conventional plastics. Independent scientific analysis commissioned by the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ, a government agency of the Province of Quebec, Canada) concluded that TDPA™ plastics are compatible with conventional plastic recycling streams, at mixture levels […]
TDPA™ is cost effective because it typically requires a low addition rate (1-2%) to make a plastic product oxo-biodegradable. In addition, it can be integrated into routine manufacturing, without a need for special equipment or additional processing steps.
TDPA™ plastics are oxo-biodegradable, with a customisable product life, during which they exhibit comparable physical and mechanical properties (e.g. appearance, strength, flexibility etc) to conventional plastics. At the end of its product life, TDPA™ plastic will degrade and biodegrade if it escapes into the open environment, whereas conventional plastics demonstrate […]
The product life of TDPA™ oxo-biodegradable plastics can be customized to meet your specific product requirements, taking into consideration processing conditions and product applications. We also offer bespoke, all-in-one additive masterbatches that confer multiple beneficial properties by the addition of a single masterbatch.
TDPA™ acts as a catalyst for the initial, oxidative degradation phase of the breakdown of oxo-biodegradable plastics. Oxidative degradation is dependent on the presence of oxygen, and this process is further accelerated by factors such as heat, UV light, mechanical stress. Following oxidative degradation, oxo-biodegradable plastics can subsequently undergo biodegradation […]
Oxo-biodegradable plastics are conventional plastics, primarily polyethylene or polypropylene, which are capable of oxo-biodegradation, due to the presence of a pro-degradant additive such as TDPA™.