ASTM D5338-98e1
Historical Standard: ASTM D5338-98e1 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions
SUPERSEDED (see Active link, below)
ASTM D5338
1. Scope
1.1 This test method determines the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials on exposure to a controlled-composting environment under laboratory conditions. This test method is designed to yield reproducible and repeatable test results under controlled conditions that resemble composting conditions. The test substances are exposed to an inoculum that is derived from compost from municipal solid waste. The aerobic composting takes place in an environment where temperature, aeration and humidity are closely monitored and controlled.
1.2 This test method is designed to yield a percentage of conversion of carbon in the sample to carbon dioxide. The rate of biodegradation is monitored as well.
1.3 This test method is designed to be applicable to all plastic materials that are not inhibitory to the microorganisms present in aerobic composting piles.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 8.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ISO Standard
ISO 14855 Plastics--Evaluation of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability and Disintegration Under Controlled Composting Conditions--Method by Analysis of Released Carbon Dioxide Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.APHA--AWWA--WPCF Standards
2540 E Fixed and Volatile Solids Ignited at 550CASTM Standards
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
D2908 Practice for Measuring Volatile Organic Matter in Water by Aqueous-Injection Gas Chromatography
D3590 Test Methods for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen in Water
D4129 Test Method for Total and Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Oxidation and by Coulometric Detection
E260 Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
E355 Practice for Gas Chromatography Terms and Relationships
Keywords
aerobic biodegradation; biodegradation; composting; plastics; Aerobic/anaerobic biodegradation--plastics; Biodegradation--plastics; Compostable plastics; Controlled testing conditions/environments
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 83.080.01 (Plastics in general)
DOI: 10.1520/D5338-98E01
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