ISO 14852 is an International Standard that tests the capability of plastic materials to biodegrade aerobically and in an aquatic environment (with availability of oxygen) through the quantification of carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolved. The outcome indicates ultimate aerobic biodegradation, the plastics are simply converted to CO₂, water, and biomass by microorganisms. ISO 14852 is valuable when testing biodegradable plastics such as biodegradable packaging, biodegradable coatings, and water-soluble polymers. Where ISO 14851 tests the oxygen consumption, ISO 14852 sees that metabolic activity through CO₂ evolved constitutes a more direct measure of mineralization.
ISO 14852 Test Method
| Test procedure | The test determines the biodegradability of a polymeric or plastic material by measuring the CO2 evolution during the biodegradation process over six months. During the biodegradation process, CO2 and H2O are formed. The CO2 production at the end of the test is measured. |
