The main degradation mechanism of biodegradable films and bags is through the enzymatic action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. These microbes are able to produce specific enzymes that attack and break down the polymer chains in biodegradable materials. These enzymes recognize and cleave the chemical bonds in the polymer chain, breaking it down into smaller molecular fragments, ultimately converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and other biologically reusable substances.
The rate of degradation under different environmental conditions will be affected by a variety of factors, including:
Type and quantity of microorganisms: Different types and quantities of microorganisms will affect the degradation rate. Certain microorganisms may be more efficient at degrading specific biodegradable materials.
Environmental conditions:
Temperature: Higher temperatures generally accelerate the metabolic activity of microorganisms, thereby speeding up degradation.
Humidity: Proper moisture levels are critical for microbial growth and activity. An environment that is too dry or too humid may slow down the rate of degradation.
pH value: Different microorganisms have different adaptation ranges to pH value. A suitable pH value is conducive to the growth and degradation activities of microorganisms.
Oxygen content: Aerobic microorganisms require oxygen to carry out degradation activities, while anaerobic microorganisms can degrade without oxygen.
Type and structure of biodegradable materials: Different biodegradable materials have different chemical structures and compositions, which will affect their ability to be degraded by microorganisms.
Presence of contaminants: Certain contaminants may inhibit the growth and activity of microorganisms, thereby reducing the rate of degradation.
Physical state of the material: Physical properties such as surface area, thickness, porosity of the film or bag also affect the rate of degradation.
Therefore, biodegradable films and bags may degrade at different rates under different environmental conditions. In order to optimize the degradation performance, it is usually necessary to select suitable biodegradable materials and microbial species, and to control environmental conditions to promote the growth and activity of microorganisms.