Compostability of poly(lactide): Degradation in an inert solid medium

Commercial poly(lactide) degradation was studied in an inert solid medium simulating compost conditions, with the aim to achieve a complete carbon balance of the polymer degradation. The mineralisation rate at the end of the test was compared to those obtained for poly(lactide) degradation in compost. It was shown that the mineralisation rate after 45 days of degradation was quite lower in inert solid medium than in compost but the standard deviation of data was enhanced. A protocol for both extraction and quantification of the carbon included in the different degradation by-products was proposed and the carbon balance of the polymer degradation was followed during the test with a satisfactory accuracy. The non-degraded PLA material was recovered during the test, hence the evolution of the glass transition temperature and the molecular weight was followed. A two-step degradation mechanism was highlighted in inert solid medium, showing the fundamental role of abiotic reactions for PLA degradation in compost.