Biodegradation of polyurethane derived from castor oil

The aim of this research was to study the biodegradation of a polymer derived from castor oil, which is a renewable, natural material that is a practical alternative for the replacement of traditional polyurethane foams. Due to its molecular structure, which contains polyester segments derived from...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cangemi, José M., Santos, Antonia M. dos [UNESP], C. Neto, Salvador, Chierice, Gilberto O.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2008
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/29831
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-14282008000300004
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/29831
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biodegradation
polyurethane
castor oil
polyester
microorganisms
Descripción
Sumario:The aim of this research was to study the biodegradation of a polymer derived from castor oil, which is a renewable, natural material that is a practical alternative for the replacement of traditional polyurethane foams. Due to its molecular structure, which contains polyester segments derived from vegetable oil, the polymeric surface is susceptible to microorganism attack. This study tested the biological degrading agent that was in contact with the microorganisms resulting from microbiological grease degrading agents, when foam was inoculated. Solid-media agar-plate tests were conducted for their potential to evaluate the biodegradation of polymeric particles by specific strains of microorganisms during 216 hours. The growth rate was defined. This technique provides a way of distinguishing the degradation abilities of microorganisms from the degradability of materials.