Heterogeneous biodegradation of polycaprolactone – low molecular weight products and surface changes

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that caprolactone, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, cyclic dimer and cyclic trimer were rapidly assimilated from the surface of polycaprolactone (PCL) films aged in mineral medium inoculated with a mixed culture of compost microorganisms. The degradation in biotic medium proceeded heterogeneously and scanning electron micrographs revealed the formation of parallel grooves, spherical and non-spherical holes in the films. The parallel grooves seen in the scanning electron micrographs after 14 d suggest that the degradation starts preferentially at the amorphous regions. At longer time scales, even the crystalline regions are degraded producing large spherical and non-spherical holes. Comparison of the degradation of melt-pressed and film-blown films made from the same PCL granules in different biotic and abiotic environments showed that both the type of microorganism used and the initial morphology of the films influence the surface erosion pattern and biodegradation mechanism. Rapid degradation and molecular weight decrease required the combined effect of temperature and microorganisms obtained during a biodegradation process, such as composting. SEM micrograph showing the surface change after 28 days in biotic mineral medium. Parallel grooves and large spherical holes.