Overview
ISO 10210:2012 - Plastics - Methods for the preparation of samples for biodegradation testing of plastic materials defines standardized procedures to prepare test samples (powders, pellets, films, sheets and product pieces) used to determine the ultimate aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of plastics in aqueous media, soil, controlled compost and anaerobic digesting sludge. The standard promotes dimensional consistency and controlled particle size to improve reproducibility of biodegradation testing results across laboratories and test methods.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope of materials: natural/synthetic polymers, copolymers, blends, additives (plasticizers, colorants), composites with organic/inorganic fillers, and finished products.
- Sample forms addressed: powders, pellets, granules, films, sheets and bulk/product pieces. Typical size ranges are given (e.g., pellets ~1–5 mm, granules 0.1–3 mm, powders 0.01–0.1 mm; film thickness ~0.01–0.3 mm; sheets ~0.5–3 mm).
- Controlled particle size: use of sieves (recommended 60 mesh and 120 mesh per ISO 3310-1) and particle-size distribution measurement to ensure consistent surface area per unit mass.
- Low-temperature mechanical reduction: milling or cutting under cooling (dry ice or liquid nitrogen) to prevent thermal alteration (changes in crystallinity or decomposition). Recommended equipment includes rotor mills, rotating mechanical mixers, ball mills and sieve shakers.
- Apparatus and reagents: details on mills (e.g., rotor mill ring sieve aperture > 0.5 mm), rotating mixers (titanium blades recommended), microscope for particle-size analysis, and use of solid CO2 or liquid N2 for cryogenic milling.
- Documentation and validity: procedures for storage, reporting sample-preparation conditions, and criteria for validity to support reproducible biodegradation test results.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 10210 is used by:
- Accredited testing laboratories conducting biodegradation tests (ISO 14851, ISO 14852, ISO 14853, ISO 14855-1/-2, ISO 15985, ISO 17556)
- Manufacturers and formulators of biodegradable plastics who must demonstrate compostability or biodegradability performance
- Certification bodies and regulators assessing compliance with compostable/biodegradable specifications
- Research institutions studying polymer degradation and environmental fate
Practical benefits include improved inter-laboratory comparability, reduced variability from sample geometry and surface area, and guidance on preparing test samples without altering material properties.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 10210:2012, sample preparation, biodegradation testing, plastics, particle size, cryogenic milling, compostable plastics, aerobic anaerobic testing.
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