MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF PLASTICIZED PVC

Abstract

Microbiological degradation of plasticized PVC may be caused by a variety of organisms, of which fungi and bacteria are the most important. Their effects on the physical and esthetic properties of PVC compounds are well documented, although very little investigation of the mechanism of microbial degradation of plasticized PVC has been conducted. Chemical processes induced by microorganisms, such as oxidation, reduction, decarboxylation, esterification, and hydrolysis are possible mechanisms by which PVC products are degraded.