Elastomer additive promoting aerobic biodegradation

Abstract

A composition for accelerating aerobic biodegradation of an elastomer, such as NBR latex, comprises an additive that includes a monomer with a plurality of polyhydroxy groups, and a growth enhancer for aerobic bacteria. When combining the monomer and the growth enhancer in a weight ratio of between 12:1 and 6:1, the result is an assimilative carbon to nitrogen ratio in the elastomer of between 10:1 and 30:1. Preferably the monomer with the plurality of polyhydroxy groups has a molecular weight of between 140-180 g/mol, and the growth enhancer of aerobic bacteria has a molecular weight of between 130-140 g/mol. In some embodiments the composition is added to a base that results in an alkaline mixture, and a dehydrating agent to inhibit agglomeration and decomposition.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.