A scoping and critical review of properties, standards, and regulations of oxo-biodegradable plastics

Based on recent scientific-technical developments referring to the transformation and biodegradation mechanisms of plastic compounds, progress has been made both in conceptualization relevant definitions development technical standards that allow determining, a more precise reproducible way, ratio biodegradability determined material. From these advances, they have developed, furthermore, so-called oxo-biodegradable plastics, which pro-oxidant additives are added raw polymer such way optimal abiotic process (photo/thermo oxidation), producing fragmentation material under suitable conditions for its simultaneous or successive biotic degradation (enzymatic oxidation). Although, currently, oxobiodegradable plastics widely used different applications as, example, agriculture andsingle-use until very recently standard was developed allows determining relative types conditions. This implies producers be able use specific terms bio-degradation oxo-biodegradation advertising purposes claim offer an environmentally friendly product, entities must carry out metrological tests light new standards. Furthermore, large amount specialized literature generated is environments review gives detailed account scientific concepts involved oxo-/bio- shows how evolved over time. It also evolution standards, which, general, adapted field plastics. Finally, analysis results reported dependence parameters (UV radiation, temperature, exposure time, type enzymes), (soil, composting, waste, recycling, etc.), (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, additives) and, finally, analytical techniques (FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, tensile test).