Oxo-degradable
Oxo-degradable is a term used to describe plastic polymers that, via an oxidative process, are more easily degradable into smaller pieces, although those pieces may not necessarily degrade further at the same rate, in effect becoming microplastics, which have a series of associated issues. Oxo-biodegradable infers the potential for further biodegradation but the definition is not clear or standardised.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN, for Comité Européen de Normalisation) has established the following definitions, in TR 15351:[7]
- Oxo-degradation is degradation resulting from "oxidative cleavage of macromolecules";
- Oxo-biodegradation is "degradation resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either simultaneously or successively".
These plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS) contain an additive prodegradant catalyst, salt of manganese or iron, that can help in breaking the material down into smaller pieces.
Oxo-degradables are a category unto themselves, they maybe confused with, but are not biodegradable plastics. As they are neither a bioplastic nor a biodegradable plastic, but more accurately plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegredation. They break down into microplastics, but not to the molecular or polymer level in the same way as biodegradable and compostable plastics. The resulting microplastics left in the environment have increasingly been found to be problematic.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biogenic.
- Biobased materials.
- Bio-plastics.
- Plastic coating market.
- Plastic in construction.
- Plastic and recycling.
- Types of biobased materials.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) 2022.
- WRAP voluntary agreements lead industry crisis response.
- UK Plastics Pact.
- Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP.
- Wood plastic composites market for construction.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..
Comments
[edit] o make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.