Evaluation of Active PBAT Films Incorporated with Orange Essential Oil Biodegradation in Anaerobic Biodigesters

The use of biodegradable polymers applied in active packaging systems, where additives are incorporated that aim to extend the shelf life of foods, is a promising topic in the search for ecologically correct materials. However, it is not known whether in these systems, the presence of the antimicrobials additive, will exert a negative influence on the biodegradation process of this polymeric material. Thus, in this work, the biodegradation process of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films additive with orange essential oil in anaerobic biodigesters was monitored, as well as the growth of microorganisms involved during the process, and the production of methane gas that is the main metabolite in this type of biodegradation. PBAT films were produced through the extrusion process and added orange essential oil at concentrations of 0 and 15% wt. were used. The films before and after the 90-day biodegradation were macroscopically evaluated by medium infrared, exploratory differential calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the evaluated period was not sufficient to mineralize the polymer and that orange essential oil had no influence on the biodegradation process. The PBAT and PBAT/EO films were stable when submitted to biodegradation in sludge for 90 days.