ASTM D5338, ISO 14855 Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions at Thermophilic Temperatures

ASTM D5338 Introduction

ASTM D5338 measures the rate and degree of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials. This is done by exposing materials to thermophilic temperatures under a controlled composting environment maintained inside the laboratory. D5338 is employed to material samples in testing labs before introducing into the waste stream. 

The D5338 test method is applicable to all plastic materials intended to be composted in facilities that achieve thermophilic temperatures, such as residential composting units and large-scale, professionally managed facilities. MaTestLab is equipped to serve its clients based in the USA, who need the ASTM D5338 test method.

ASTM D5338 Test Method

ASTM D5338 Equipment and Sample Preparation

ASTM D5338 Results and Interpretation

The percentage of biodegradation is calculated by dividing the average net gaseous-carbon production of the test compound by the original average amount of carbon in the test compound and multiplying by 100;

% biodegradation=[mean Cg(test)-mean Cg(blank)]Ci100

Given: Cg= amount of gaseous-carbon produced (g) and Ci= amount of carbon in test compound added (g)

Also, the total carbon content of the test material is determined by elemental analysis. Cumulative carbon dioxide production (in grams) with standard error of the percentage of biodegradation and 95 % confidence limits.

Related Tests

This test method is equivalent to ISO 14855.

Use of D5338 in Various Industries

Packaging, food, and consumer goods fall under this standard. It has applications in various industries to ensure that biodegradable materials decompose, give support to sustainable practices, and eventually reduce waste in landfills.

Materials Commonly Tested with D5338

Food and beverage containers, corrugated materials, and agricultural films are tested in this standard to ensure biodegradability in composting environments, proving their usefulness in the food and beverage industry.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in ASTM D5338 Testing

The problems include sample preparation, environmental control, quality inoculum, measurement, and the length of time to test. Solutions to these problems include calibration, standard operating procedures, quality control samples, and trained personnel.

Importance of ASTM D5338

It is one of the very important standards in regard to environmental regulatory compliance, consumer confidence, research and development, and environmental performance improvement for manufacturers with respect to the decisions they make regarding the environmental impact of their products.