Biodegradability Fig.8: Microscopic observations of the biocomposite as a function of composting time (months). Presence of fungi at the surface Fig.6: Cell morphology in starch based biocomposite and EPS Fig.7: Evolution of the biodegradation of 10w% cellulose reinforced foamed starch as a function of composting time (months) was recorded after 4 months due to fungus growth (Aspergillus, Hyphomycetes) (Figure 8). The oxygen consumption of microorganisms (ISO 14432 BOD) in contact with the biocomposite shows a degradation of about 30% after one month. Today’s studies focus on optimising the cell morphology, but also on using new natural fibres such as sugar cane and coconut fibres, where specific surface treatments are applied to lower the water sensitivity of the multilayer biocomposite. More information: www.ema.fr Contact: Anne.Bergeret@ema.fr No39 March - April 2008 / JEC Composites Magazinehttp://www.ema.fr http://www.specialtyproductsco.com http://www.mccleananderson.com