ABSTRACT
Degradable plastics are very desirable in helping to answer the plastics waste issue. Another path that is equally as desirable is recycling. The degradation method of the plastics is one of controlled degradation through selective solubility. Selectively soluble plastics have been commercially available in Switzerland since 1983, where manufacturing for worldwide distribution takes place. The rate of degradation can be influenced by a number of factors. The ability to remove the coating using a mild caustic solution has tremendous environmental implications over other temporary coatings. The selectively soluble plastics breakdown in active composts is a period of approximately four to six weeks. The selectively soluble plastics are not degrade in a landfill. The rate of degradation is dependent on the type of selectively soluble polymer, the thickness of the sample as well as the conditions in the ocean. The acute toxicity of selectively soluble polymers was determined through tests on water fleas.
