Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2314
Title: | Open windrow composting of polymers: An investigation into the rate of degradation of polyethylene |
Authors: | Davis, G Read, A Bulson, H Harrison, DJ Billett, EH |
Keywords: | Open windrow composting;Degradable;Polyethylene;Starch;Waste collection |
Issue Date: | 2004 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Citation: | Resource Conservation and Recycling. 40, 343-357 |
Abstract: | The compostability of degradable polymers under open windrow composting conditions is explored within this paper. Areas for consideration were the use of, and impacts of, degradable polyethylene (PE) sacks on the composting process and the quality of the finished compost product. These factors were investigated through polymer weight loss over the composting process, the amount of polymer residue and chemical contaminants in the finished compost product, the windrow temperature profiles and a bioassay to establish plant growth and germination levels using the final compost product. This trial also included a comparative study of the weight loss under composting conditions of two different types of ‘degradable’ polymer sacks currently on the European market: PE and a starch based product. Statistical analysis of the windrow temperature profiles has led to the development of a model, which can help to predict the expected trends in the temperature profiles of open compost windrows where the organic waste is kerbside collected using a degradable PE sack. |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2314 |
Appears in Collections: | Design Materials Engineering Brunel Design School Research Papers |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Open windrow composting of polymers - an investigation into the rate of degradation of polyethylene.pdf | 163.66 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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