4. Conclusions
PLA-based polymers are considered readily biodegradable
materials through composting. However, our results showed that
samples from commercially produced injection molded PLA pots
evolved only 13% of initial carbon as CO2 during 60 days at 58 C.
NIR spectral results suggest that PLA in this biopolymer undergoes
chemical changes during polymer extrusion and molding. These
chemical changes may inhibit biodegradation. Feather fiber differed
from other bioplastic components because it was not easily
degraded under the conditions utilized in this study. Inoculation
with keratinase producing microbes may improve feather fiber
polymer biodegradability.