What is ASTM D5511? ASTM D5511 is a standardized test method used to determine the anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions. The method measures the conversion of carbon in a material into biogas, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), under controlled laboratory conditions. Overview ASTM D5511 evaluates the degree and […]
Few fungi are as significant in product testing as the Aspergillus sp. (more specifically Aspergillus niger). First described in 1867, Aspergillus niger is a filamentous mold known for its deep black spore color, rapid growth, and exceptional environmental resilience. While Stachybotrys chartarum is more commonly recognized as the typical “black mold” in household settings, Aspergillus […]
Pathways to EU Microplastics Exemption The European Union’s recently adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 places strict restrictions on the use of intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) across a wide range of products — from cosmetics and detergents to coatings, agricultural formulations, and industrial additives. The goal is clear: prevent microplastics from entering the environment, […]
ASTM E3364 is a standardized test method designed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in preventing staining caused by Actinomycete and Streptomyces species. These microorganisms produce pigments and melanin, resulting in persistent and unattractive stains on flexible or plasticized synthetic polymers, even after the growth has been removed. By utilizing ASTM E3364, manufacturers can […]
The ASTM C1338 method is a standard antifungal test for determining fungi resistance of insulation materials and facings. Insulation and facings products may be susceptible to fungal formation under favorable conditions such as high humidity. ASTM C1338 is intended to evaluate the relative ability of such materials to resist fungal growth. Test samples are inoculated […]
OECD 301F is a solutions aerobic biodegradation test that determines the biodegradability of a material by measuring oxygen consumption. OECD 301F is most often used for insoluble and volatile materials that are challenged by OECD 301B testing. The purity or proportions of major components of the test material is important for calculating the Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD). Similarly to other 301 test […]
OECD 301E is a modified aerobic biodegradation test that predominantly measures biodegradation of a material by the evaluation of dissolved organic carbon. OECD 301E is a minimum 28- day test that can be used with samples known to be absorbing materials. OECD 301E is similar to OECD 301 A (DOC Die-Away), but 301E uses a lower concentration […]
OECD 301A is an aerobic biodegradation test used for non-volatile and soluble (100mg/L) substances. In the OECD 301A test method, the degree of biodegradation is measured by the change in Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) over a 28-Day period. It is similar to the OECD 301E, but higher microbial cell densities can be used in the OECD 301A. OECD […]
OECD 208 is a terrestrial plant test that determines seedling emergence and growth in composted material resulting from a solid’s biodegradation, like plastic. OECD 208 is used to determine if the composted material is toxic to plants. The OECD 208 test method is used to confirm that biodegraded and composted materials do not introduce toxic components into the […]
ISO 17556 is an ultimate aerobic biodegradation test method that determines the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of a material in soil by measuring oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved. This method is similar to other Compost methods; ISO 17556 is a minimum 90 day aerobic biodegradation test. Instead of measuring Theoretical Carbon […]