Influence of Geometry and Humidity of Soil Columns in the Biodegradation of PCL Films

Poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) films were prepared by melt-pressing and investigated with respect to their biodegradation in different soil columns after 60 days. The morphology and structure of the films, after various microbial treatments, were studied with measurements of mass loss. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FUR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry ( TG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PCL films underwent biodegradation, mainly in the amorphous phase, attributed to breaking of ester bonds of the polymer chain clue to the action of exo-enzymes from soil microorganisms. The abiotic factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen content and principally soil column type and humidity were considered important aspects for the biodegradation process on the PCL films in soil.