ABSTRACT
Nowadays, there is a big interest in a new class of polymeric materials that can be degradable after usage in natural environment or industrial composting. Biodegradable/composting polymers are converted by the action of micro-organisms(bacteria, fungi, algae) to carbon dioxide, water and biomass. The aim of the study was to determine in the pilot studies the degree of decomposition of modified by us thermoplastic starch (TPS) by epoxidized soybean oil and gum arabic in the environment of compost consisting of sewage sludge. Commercial foils for packaging advertised as compostable (Castorama, BioBag) were tested for comparison as well The samples were placed in an open roofing at normal weather conditions. The degree of sample degradation was analyzed by examining the change in weight loss and visual view of the samples. The tests were carried out for 2 weeks in July, in the north of Poland (Władysławowo). For the comparison standardized test of industrial composting overworked for biodegradable polymers were done as well for new prepared foils. Studies have shown more visible changes in surface view in the samples of modified TPS by epoxidized soybean oil and arabic gum in comparison to commercial samples. Both new prepared foils and commercial ones did not change their mass after incubation in the compost after 7 days.
