ASPECTS OF BIODETERIORATION OF INERT AND DEGRADABLE POLYMERS

Inert and degradable polymers are susceptible to deterioration to vary ing degrees. The process is slow for inert polymers but can be encoura ged to take place quickly or with a predetermined rate by using degrad able polymers. Degradable polymers can be inert polymers containing an additive, which thus accelerates degradation; a polymer with a backbo ne susceptible to, for example, photo-oxidation, hydrolysis, or biodeg radation; or a native polymer (biopolymer). Performing biodegradation tests the selection of relevant micro-organisms, the creation of an op timal environment for biodegradation, and the avoidance of the accumul ation of toxic compounds during the test, which could affect the viabi lity of the micro-organisms.