Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• Aliphaticaromaticcopolyesters.
• Hydro-biodegradablepolyesterssuchasmodiiedPET.
• WatersolublepolymerssuchasPVAandethylenevinylalcohol.
Some of the blends may require pretreatment to enhance the biodegradation. The
pretreatment could be heat, ultraviolet (UV; sunlight), mechanical stresses and so on.
10.0kV 10.5mm
×
500 SE
100um
(a)
10.0kV 10.5mm
×
120 SE
400um
(b)
10.0kV 10.1mm
×
130 SE
400um
(c)
Figure 3.1
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of polymers retrieved
from ocean after one year of placement a) LDPE; b) polypropylene (PP); and
c) polycarbonate (PC)
