The degradation time of compostable garbage bags is influenced by various factors, which can be roughly divided into two categories: environmental conditions and the characteristics of the garbage bags themselves. The following are some main influencing factors:
Environment condition
1. Temperature: Higher temperatures can accelerate the metabolic rate of microorganisms, thereby accelerating the degradation process. The ideal composting temperature is usually between 50 ° C and 60 ° C, which is conducive to the activity of thermal microorganisms and improves degradation efficiency.
2. Humidity: Adequate moisture is a necessary condition for microbial activity. Low humidity can limit the activity of microorganisms, while high humidity may cause anaerobic conditions and affect degradation efficiency.
3. Oxygen supply: Most microorganisms involved in the degradation process are aerobic, which means they need oxygen to survive and decompose organic matter. Adequate oxygen supply can promote rapid degradation.
4. pH value: The activity of microorganisms is influenced by the environmental pH value, and different microorganisms perform best in different pH ranges. Generally speaking, a neutral to slightly alkaline pH value is more favorable for the degradation process.
5. Organic content: The type and quantity of organic matter can affect the degradation rate. Some organic compounds may be difficult to decompose, while high levels of organic compounds may temporarily inhibit microbial activity.
6. Light: Although not the key factor for the degradation of all compostable garbage bags, certain photosensitive materials can accelerate degradation under the action of light.
Characteristics of garbage bags themselves
1. Material composition: Different bio based materials have different degradation rates, such as PBAT, PLA, starch based materials, etc., and their degradation rates vary.
2. Thickness and structure: Thinner bags may degrade faster than thicker bags because microorganisms are more likely to penetrate and act on the surface of the material.
3. Additives: Some compostable garbage bags may contain substances that accelerate degradation, which can significantly affect the degradation rate.
4. Microbial species: Whether specific microbial species are preset in the garbage bag can also affect the degradation time. Bags with pre-set bacterial strains may degrade faster under specific conditions.