The public is particularly interested in how long it takes for biodegradable plastics to degrade under natural conditions, and this is indeed the case. However, degradation times are related to natural conditions and the structure and formulation of the plastic, and cannot be generalised. If natural conditions do not provide the right conditions for microbial growth or life activity, biodegradable plastics, even natural polymers such as paper, straw and wood, will degrade more slowly, and it is for this reason that we can see branches, wood or paper on sandy soils that have not been degraded by the environment for a long time when we go to the countryside in woodlands or mountains.
The following are some examples to illustrate this, which may be better understood.
Biodegradable mulch made from materials such as PBAT has been used in demonstrations across the country over the last 5 years, and in the actual application of the mulch even if the crop is not fully degraded at the time of harvesting, it is fully degraded after tillage.
For example, PHA and PBAT materials can be completely degraded in 30-60 days under seawater and (25±3)°C. Photos of specific experimental processes observed can be seen below.
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