Ceramic processing of incinerator bottom ash

The <8 mm fraction of aged incinerator bottom ash from a commercial incinerator (energy from waste) plant has been collected at regular intervals, characterised and processed to form ceramic materials. Ashes were sieved, wet ball milled, dried, compacted and sintered at temperatures between 1080 and 1115 degrees C. Variations in the chemical composition and mineralogy of the milled ash, and the mineralogy, physical properties and leaching of sintered products have been assessed. Milling produces a raw material with consistent chemical and mineralogical composition with quartz (SiO(2)), calcite (CaCO(3)), gehlenite (Ca(2)Al(AlSi)O(7)) and hematite (Fe(2)O(3)) being the major crystalline phases present. Different batches also milled to give consistent particle size distributions. Sintering milled incinerator bottom ash at 1110 degrees C produced ceramics with densities between 2.43 and 2.64 g/cm(-3) and major crystalline phases of wollastonite (CaSiO(3)) and diopside (CaMgSi(2)O(6)). The sintered ceramics had reduced acid neutralisation capacity compared to the as-received ash and exhibited reduced leaching of Ca, Mg, Na and K under all pH conditions. The leaching of heavy metals was also significantly reduced due to encapsulation and incorporation into glassy and crystalline phases, with Cu and Al showing greatly reduced leaching under alkali conditions.     

Diopside-based glass-ceramics from MSW fly ash and bottom ash

By utilising MSW fly ash from the Shanghai Yuqiao municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant as the main raw material, diopside-based glass-ceramics were successfully synthesized in the laboratory by combining SiO(2), MgO and Al(2)O(3) or bottom ash as conditioner of the chemical compositions and TiO(2) as the nucleation agent. The optimum procedure for the glass-ceramics is as follows: melting at 1500 degrees C for 30 min, nucleating at 730 degrees C for 90 min, and crystallization at 880 degrees C for 10h. It has been shown that the diopside-based glass-ceramics made from MSW fly ash have a strong fixing capacity for heavy metals such as lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) etc.     

Characterization of MSWI bottom ashes towards utilization as glass raw material

The characterization of the bottom ashes produced by two Portuguese municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) was performed with the aim of assessing the feasibility of using this waste as raw material in the production of glass that can be further processed as glass-ceramics for application in construction. Density and particle size distribution measurements were carried out for physical characterization. Chemical characterization revealed that SiO(2), a network glass former oxide, was present in a relatively high content (52-58wt%), indicating the suitability for this waste to be employed in the development of vitreous materials. CaO, Na(2)O and K(2)O, which act as fluxing agents, were present in various amounts (2-17wt%) together with several other oxides normally present in ceramic and glass raw materials. Mineralogical characterization revealed that the main crystalline phases were quartz (SiO(2)) and calcite (CaCO(3)) and that minor amounts of different alkaline and alkaline-earth aluminosilicate phases were also present. Thermal characterization showed that the decomposition of the different compounds occurred up to 1100 degrees C and that total weight loss was <10wt%. Heating both bottom ashes at 1400 degrees C for 2h resulted in a melt with suitable viscosity to be poured into a mould, and homogeneous black-coloured glasses with a smooth shiny surface were obtained after cooling. The vitrified bottom ashes were totally amorphous as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The results from the present experimental work indicate that the examined bottom ashes can be a potential material to melt and to obtain a glass that can be further processed as glass-ceramics to be applied in construction.     

Characterization of alkali-activated thermally treated incinerator bottom ash

The fine fraction (<14mm) of incinerator bottom ash (IBA) obtained from a UK energy from waste plant has been milled and thermally treated at 600, 700, 800 and 880 degrees C. Treated materials have been activated with Ca(OH)(2) (10wt%) and the setting times and compressive strengths at different curing times measured. In addition to decomposition of CaCO(3) to CaO, thermal treatment increases the content of gehlenite (Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7)), wollastonite (CaSiO(3)) and mayenite (Ca(12)Al(14)O(33)). Thermally treated samples were significantly more reactive than milled IBA and heating to 700 degrees C produced a material which rapidly set. Silica, gehlenite and wollastonite were the main crystalline phases present in hydrated samples and a mixed sulphate-carbonate AFm-type phase (Ca(4)Al(2)O(6)(CO(3))(0.67)(SO(3))(0.33).11H(2)O) formed. Significant volumes of gas were generated during curing and this produced a macro-porous microstructure that limited strength to 2.8MPa. The new materials may have potential for use as controlled low-strength materials.     

Petrogenetic characteristics of molten slag from the pyrolysis/melting treatment of MSW

MSW slag materials derived from four pyrolysis melting plants in Japan were studied from the viewpoint of petrology in order to discriminate the glass and mineral phases and to propose a petrogenetic model for the formation process of molten slag. Slag material is composed of two major components: melt and refractory products. The melt products that formed during the melting process comprise silicate glass, and a suite of minerals as major constituents. The silicate glass is essentially composed of low and high silica glass members (typically 30% and 50% of SiO(2), respectively), from which minerals such as spinels, melilite, pseudowollastonite, and metallic inclusions have been precipitated. The refractory products consist mainly of pieces of metals, minerals and lithic fragments that survived through the melting process. Investigations demonstrated that the low silica melts (higher Ca and Al contents) were produced at upper levels of high temperature combustion chamber HTCC, at narrower temperature ranges (1250-1350 degrees C), while the high silica melts formed at broader temperature ranges (1250-1450 degrees C), at the lower levels of HTCC. The recent temperature ranges were estimated by using CaOAl(2)O(3)SiO(2) (CAS) ternary liquidus diagram that are reasonably consistent with those reported for a typical combustor. It was also understood that the samples with a higher CaO/SiO(2) ratio (>0.74-0.75) have undergone improved melting, incipient crystallization of minerals, and extensive homogenization. The combined mineralogical and geochemical examinations provided evidence to accept the concept of stepwise generation of different melt phases within the HTCC. The petrogenesis of the melt products may therefore be described as a two-phase melt system with immiscible characteristics that have been successively generated during the melting process of MSW.     

Hydrothermal treatment of MSWI bottom ash forming acid-resistant material

To recycle municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash, synthesis of hydrothermal minerals from bottom ash was performed to stabilize heavy metals. MSWI bottom ash was mixed with SiO(2), Al(OH)(3), and Mg(OH)(2) so its chemical composition was similar to that of hydrothermal clay minerals. These solid specimens were mixed with water at a liquid/solid ratio of 5. The reaction temperature was 200 degrees C, and reactions were performed for 24-240h. Generation of kaolinite/smectite mixed-layer clay mineral was found in the samples after the reaction of the mixture of bottom ash, SiO(2), and Mg(OH)(2). Calcium silicate hydrate minerals such as tobermorite and xonotlite were also generated. X-ray powder diffraction suggested the presence of amorphous materials. Leaching tests at various pHs revealed that the concentration of heavy metals in the leachates from MSWI bottom ash hydrothermally treated with SiO(2) and Mg(OH)(2) was lower than that in leachates from non-treated bottom ash, especially under acid conditions. Hydrothermal treatment with modification of chemical composition may have potential for the recycling of MSWI bottom ash.     

Chemical durability of glasses obtained by vitrification of industrial wastes

The vitrification of zinc-hydrometallurgy wastes, electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), drainage mud, and granite mud was shown to immobilize the hazardous components in these wastes. Batch compositions were prepared by mixing the wastes with glass-cullet and sand to force the final glass composition into the glass forming region of the SiO2-Fe2O3-(CaO, MgO) system. The vitrification was carried out in the 1400-1450 degrees C temperature range followed by quenching in water or on stainless steel mold. The United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxic characterization leaching procedure (TCLP) test was used as a standard method for evaluating the leachability of the elements in the glasses and glass-ceramics samples made with different percentages of wastes. The results for EAFD glasses highlighted that the chemical stability is influenced by the glass structure formed, which, in turn, depends on the Si/O ratio in the glass. The chemical durability of jarosite glasses and glass-ceramics was evaluated by 24 h contact in NaOH, HCl and Na2CO3, at 95 degrees C. Jarosite glass-ceramics containing pyroxene (J40) are more durable than the parent glass in HCl. Jarosite glass-ceramics containing magnetite type spinels (J50) have a durability similar to the parent glass and even lower in HCl because the magnetite is soluble in HCl.     

Effect of compost application rate on carbon degradation and retention in soils

We investigated the effect of a single compost application at two rates (50 and 85Mgha(-1)) on carbon (C) degradation and retention in an agricultural soil cropped with maize after 150d. We used both C mass balance and soil respiration data to trace the fate of compost C. Our results indicated that compost C accumulated in the soil after 150d was 4.24Mgha(-1) and 6.82Mg C ha(-1) for 50 and 85Mg ha(-1) compost rate, respectively. Compost C was sequestered at the rate of 623 and 617g C kg(-1) compost TOC for 50 and 85Mgha(-1) compost dose, respectively. These results point to a linear response between dose of application and both C degradation and retention. The amount of C sequestered was similar to the total recalcitrant C content of compost, which was 586g C kg(-1) compost TOC, indicating that, probably, during the short experiment, the labile C pool of compost (414g C kg(-1) of compost TOC) was completely degraded. Soil respiration measured at different times during the crop growth cycle was stable for soils amended with compost (CO2 flux of 0.96+/-0.11g CO2 m(-2) h(-1) and 1.07+/-0.10g CO2 m(-2) h(-1), respectively, for 50 and 85Mgha(-1)), whereas it increased in the control. The CO2 flux due to compost degradation only, though not statistically significant, was always greatest for the highest compost doses applied (0.22+/-0.40g CO2 m(-2) h(-1) and 0.33+/-0.25g CO2 m(-2) h(-1) for the 50 and 85Mgha(-1) compost dose, respectively). This seems to confirm the highest C degradation for the 85Mgha(-1) compost dose as a consequence of the presence of more labile C. Unlike other studies, the results show a slight increase in the fraction of carbon retained with the increase in compost application rate. This could be due to the highly stable state of the compost prior to application, although it could also be due to sampling uncertainty. Further investigations are needed to better explain how the compost application rate affects carbon sequestration, and how characterization into labile and recalcitrant C can predict the amount of C sequestered in the soil.     

Characterization and leaching of NiCd and NiMH spent batteries for the recovery of metals

Since NiMH and NiCd batteries are still used in the electronic devices market, a treatment and recycling plant has many advantages both from the environmental and the economic points of view. Unfortunately, there is no relationship between shape, size and chemical composition of spent batteries, consequently the characterization and the leaching method of the starting material becomes an important step of the overall treatment process in choosing the best conditions for the selective separation of the metals by hydrometallurgy. Leaching at 20 degrees C with H(2)SO(4) 2M for about 2h seems to be a good solution in terms of cost and efficiency for both battery types. The hydroxide compounds can be readily leached while Ni present as metallic form requires more aggressive conditions due to kinetic constraints. In this paper, the characterization of NiMH and NiCd spent batteries and the results of leaching tests in different conditions are reported.     

从含铬铝泥中回收铝的新工艺

采用"打浆水洗除Cr(Ⅵ)—电渗析除Cr(Ⅵ)—碱浸提铝—碳酸化分解法精制Al_2O_3"的新工艺处理含铬铝泥(以下简称铝泥),并回收Al_2O_3。实验结果表明:铝泥在70℃下经3次打浆水洗后,w(Na_2CrO_4)(以干铝泥计)降至5.0%;采用电渗析除Cr(Ⅵ)工艺可有效去除铝泥中以结合态和结晶态形式存在的Na_2CrO_4,在55 V直流电压下电渗析6h后铝泥中的w(Na_2CrO_4)降至0.98%;在碱浸温度为100℃、碱浸时间为3 h、NaOH质量浓度为150 g/L的优化碱浸条件下,铝浸出率(以Al_2O_3计)高达90.0%;经3次碳酸化分解处理后,Al_2O_3产品的纯度达98.65%,满足GB/T 24487-2009《氧化铝》中的一级标准,Al_2O_3回收率为96.37%。     

Influence of composition variations on the initial alteration rate of vitrified domestic waste incineration fly-ash

Vitrification as a waste stabilization technology has often been considered applicable only to high-level radioactive waste for which, with the use of suitable additives, it yields a vitreous material with excellent chemical durability. It has become apparent in recent years that some waste forms-notably domestic waste incineration fly-ash purification residues--contain most of the ingredients of a vitrified material, although their composition variations are difficult to control. It is thus important to ensure not only that the materials are suitable for vitrification, but also that the resulting product exhibits acceptable long-term behavior under all circumstances. An initial study showed that, allowing for the compensation changes inherent in the melting process builtby EDF**, the residue collected by a single fly-ash dust separation defines a composition range within which the suitability of the vitrified material can be verified. "Vitrified material" refers to a melted material that contains no unmelted inclusions after cooling, but that may contain a variable fraction of crystallized phases. Five composition parameters were identified for the long-term behavior assessment: the concentrations of the three major elements (silicon, aluminum and calcium), the total alkali metal (sodium and potassium) concentration, and the sum of the concentrations of two toxic elements (zinc and lead). The other elements were assumed constant at molar ratios representative of industrial wastes. The experimentation plan methodology applied to the composition range identified fourteen materials suilable for developing and validating first-order models of the material components. The fly-ash composition had a very significant effect on the degree and kinetics and crystallization in the vitrified material within the experimental composition range; the cooling rate was the determining factor for some of the fourteen materials studied. Two crystailine phases predominated: spinels rich in chromium, zinc, aluminum, magnesium and iron formed quickly on cooling, and accounted for about 2 vol% of the final material. Gehelenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) crystallized massively in some vitrified materials, accounting for more than half the final product and giving it a rock-like appearance. The effect of composition alone must therefore be distinguished from the effect of crystallization on the leaching behavior. Soxhlet tests were conducted for 14 days according to a protocol based on that of the French AFNOR draft standard NF-M 60313 to determine the maximum alteration rate in pure water at 100 degrees C. The measured rate ranged from 4 to 40 gm(-2) day(-1), illustrating the crucial role of the silicon concentration: within the test composition range, a low silicon content (< 30 wt%) tended to result in a significantly higher initial rate. However, the initial rate alone is not sufficient to assess the chemical durability of the material. Further tests will be carried out at 25 degrees C under conditions approximating those of a proposed disposal site to highlight the role of the alteration layer and the effect of rising concentrations in solution on the decreasing alteration rate.     

Influences of chemical activators on incinerator bottom ash

This research has applied different chemical activators to mechanically and thermally treated fine fraction (<14 mm) of incinerator bottom ash (IBA), in order to investigate the influences of chemical activators on this new pozzolanic material. IBA has been milled and thermally treated at 800 degrees C (TIBA). The TIBA produced was blended with Ca(OH)(2) and evaluated for setting time, reactivity and compressive strength after the addition of 0.0565 mole of Na(2)SO(4), K(2)SO(4), Na(2)CO(3), K(2)CO(3), NaOH, KOH and CaCl(2) into 100g of binder (TIBA+Ca(OH)(2)). The microstructures of activated IBA and hydrated samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG) analysis. Thermal treatment is found to produce gehlenite (Ca(2)Al(2)SiO(7)), wollastonite (CaSiO(3)) and mayenite (Ca(12)Al(14)O(33)) phases. The thermally treated IBA samples are significantly more reactive than the milled IBA. The addition of Na(2)CO(3) can increase the compressive strength and calcium hydroxide consumption at 28-day curing ages. However, the addition of Na(2)SO(4), K(2)SO(4), K(2)CO(3), NaOH and KOH reduces the strength and hydration reaction. Moreover, these chemicals produce more porous samples due to increased generation of hydrogen gas. The addition of CaCl(2) has a negative effect on the hydration of TIBA samples. Calcium aluminium oxide carbonate sulphide hydrate (Ca(4)Al(2)O(6)(CO(3))(0.67)(SO(3))(0.33)(H(2)O)(11)) is the main hydration product in the samples with activated IBA, except for the sample containing CaCl(2).     

Physical modelling of the composting environment: a review. Part 2: Simulation performance

This paper reviews previously published heat balance data for experimental and full-scale composting reactors, and then presents an evaluation of the simulation performance of laboratory and pilot-scale reactors, using both quantitative and qualitative temperature profile characteristics. The review indicates that laboratory-scale reactors have typically demonstrated markedly different heat balance behaviour in comparison to full-scale systems, with ventilative heat losses of 36-67%, and 70-95% of the total flux, respectively. Similarly, conductive/convective/radiative (CCR) heat losses from laboratory reactors have been reported at 33-62% of the total flux, whereas CCR losses from full-scale composting systems have ranged from 3% to 15% of the total. Full-scale windrow temperature-time profiles from the literature were characterised by the present authors. Areas bounded by the curve and a 40 degrees C baseline (A(40)) exceeded 624 degrees C. days, areas bounded by the curve and a 55 degrees C baseline (A(55)) exceeded 60 degrees C days, and times at 40 and 55 degrees C were >46 days and >24 days, respectively, over periods of 50-74 days. For forced aeration systems at full scale, values of A(40) exceeded 224 degrees C days, values of A(55) exceeded 26 degrees C days, and times at 40 and 55 degrees C were >14 days and >10 days, respectively, over periods of 15-35 days. Values of these four parameters for laboratory-scale reactors were typically considerably lower than for the full-scale systems, although temperature shape characteristics were often similar to those in full-scale profiles. Evaluation of laboratory-, pilot- and full-scale profiles from systems treating the same substrate showed that a laboratory-scale reactor and two pilot-scale reactors operated at comparatively high aeration rates poorly simulated full-scale temperature profiles. However, the curves from two moderately insulated, self-heating, pilot-scale reactors operated at relatively low aeration rates appeared to closely replicate full-scale temperature profiles. The importance of controlling aeration rates and CCR losses is discussed and further work suggested in order to investigate the links between simulation of the composting environment and process performance.     

Preparation of activated carbons from heavy-oil fly ashes

The use of heavy oil fly ash with high ash content (45 wt.%) as a precursor for the preparation of activated carbons has been investigated. The raw fly ash and the fly ash with lower ash content, obtained by a HCl/HF washing treatment, have been pyrolyzed at 900 degrees C and then activated with CO(2) in the temperature range of 800-900 degrees C for different times. The activated carbons have been characterised as regards the surface area and the pore volume. The evolution of the porosity has been related to the burn-off degree.     

Chemical-mineralogical characterisation of coarse recycled concrete aggregate

The construction industry is now putting greater emphasis than ever before on increasing recycling and promoting more sustainable waste management practices. In keeping with this approach, many sectors of the industry have actively sought to encourage the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as an alternative to primary aggregates in concrete production. The results of a laboratory experimental programme aimed at establishing chemical and mineralogical characteristics of coarse RCA and its likely influence on concrete performance are reported in this paper. Commercially produced coarse RCA and natural aggregates (16-4 mm size fraction) were tested. Results of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses showed that original source of RCA had a negligible effect on the major elements and a comparable chemical composition between recycled and natural aggregates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses results indicated the presence of calcite, portlandite and minor peaks of muscovite/illite in recycled aggregates, although they were directly proportioned to their original composition. The influence of 30%, 50%, and 100% coarse RCA on the chemical composition of equal design strength concrete has been established, and its suitability for use in a concrete application has been assessed. In this work, coarse RCA was used as a direct replacement for natural gravel in concrete production. Test results indicated that up to 30% coarse RCA had no effect on the main three oxides (SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO) of concrete, but thereafter there was a marginal decrease in SiO2 and increase in Al2O3 and CaO contents with increase in RCA content in the mix, reflecting the original constituent's composition.     

Treatment and recycling of incinerated ash using thermal plasma technology

To treat incinerated ash is an important issue in Taiwan. Incinerated ashes contain a considerable amount of hazardous materials such as dioxins and heavy metals. If these hazardous materials are improperly treated or disposed of, they shall cause detrimental secondary contamination. Thermal plasma vitrification is a robust technology to treat and recycle the ash residues. Under the high temperature plasma environment, incinerated ashes are vitrified into benign slag with large volume reduction and extreme detoxification. Several one-step heat treatment processes are carried out at four temperatures (i.e. 850, 950, 1,050 and 1,150 degrees C) to obtain various "microstructure materials". The major phase to form these materials is a solid solution of gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and ?kermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) belonging to the melilite group. The physical and mechanical properties of the microstructure materials are improved by using one-step post-heat treatment process after plasma vitrification. These microstructure materials with good quality have great potential to serve as a viable alternative for construction applications.     

Carbon mineralization dynamics in soils amended with meat meals under laboratory conditions

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is obtained from the wastes produced during slaughtering operations. Its high concentration of N and P makes it interesting as an organic fertiliser but its use in soil has been barely studied previously. In this work four laboratory experiments were performed to study the influence of different variables (MBM composition, rate of application, temperature of incubation and the type of soil) on C mineralization dynamics of MBM in agricultural soils. The total CO2-C evolved (as % of added C) after 2 weeks ranged between 10% and 20%. The kinetics of mineralization were rapid, with C evolved as CO2 within the first 4 days representing more than 50% of total C mineralized. A linear correlation was found between the rate of application (added-C) and CO2-C evolved (r2: 0.997; P<0.001). A temperature coefficient (Q10) was used to assess the difference in biological activity at 5 degrees C intervals. Q10, which ranged from 1.0 to 2.7 (250h), was higher for the lower temperature range (Q10 (15-20 degrees C)>Q10 (20-25 degrees C)) and it was found to be related to the soil properties. Finally, the mineralization process was found to be highly dependent upon the different soil factors, although no simple linear correlation was found between mineralization and soil properties.     

Glass-ceramics obtained by the recycling of end of life cathode ray tubes glasses

This work is concerned with open-loop recycling of end of life Cathode Ray Tubes glass (an unsolved problem when considering that in Europe almost 90% of EOL electronic goods is disposed of in landfills), focusing on the development of glass-ceramics from panel or funnel glass with dolomite and alumina, and the evaluation of the tendency towards crystallisation with particular attention on composition and thermal treatment. Glasses were melted at a temperature of about 1500 degrees C and transformed into glass-ceramics by different thermal treatments (900 degrees C to approximately 1100 degrees C temperature range and 0.5 to approximately 8h soaking time). By using the evaluation of thermal, mineralogical and microstructural data it has been pointed out that a good degree of crystallisation is reached at about 1000 degrees C and with a high proportion of waste glass (50-75%) if 40-45% of CaO and MgO bearer (dolomite) is introduced. In this way alkaline and alkaline-earth silicate and aluminosilicate mainly develop probably with a surface mechanism.     

Investigation of MSWI fly ash melting characteristic by DSC-DTA

The melting process of MSWI (Municipal Solid Waste Incineration) fly ash has been studied by high-temperature DSC-DTA experiments. The experiments were performed at a temperature range of 20-1450 degrees C, and the considerable variables included atmosphere (O(2) and N(2)), heating rates (5 degrees C/min, 10 degrees C/min, 20 degrees C/min) and CaO addition. Three main transitions were observed during the melting process of fly ash: dehydration, polymorphic transition and fusion, occurring in the temperature range of 100-200 degrees C, 480-670 degrees C and 1101-1244 degrees C, respectively. The apparent heat capacity and heat requirement for melting of MSWI fly ash were obtained by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter). A thermodynamic modeling to predict the heat requirements for melting process has been presented, and it agrees well with the experimental data. Finally, a zero-order kinetic model of fly ash melting transition was established. The apparent activation energy of MSWI fly ash melting transition was obtained.     

Evaluation of the biodegradability of copolyesters containing aromatic compounds by investigations of model oligomers

Model oligo esters of terephthalic acid with 1,2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,4-butanediol have been investigated with regard to their biodegradability in different biological environments. Well-characterized oligomers with weight-average molar masses of from 600 to 2600 g/mol exhibit biodegradation in aqueous systems, soil, and compost at 60°C. SEC investigations showed a fast biological degradation of the oligomer fraction consisting of 1 or 2 repeating units, independent of the diol component used for polycondensation, while polyester oligomers with degrees of polymerization higher than 2 were stable against microbial attack at room temperature in a time frame of 2 months. At 60°C in a compost environment chemical hydrolysis also degrades chains longer than two repeating units, resulting in enhanced degradability of the oligomers. Metabolization of the monomers and the dimers as well by the microorganisms could be confirmed by comparing SEC measurements and carbon balances in a Sturm test experiment. Based on these results degradation characteristics of potential oligomer intermediates resulting from a primary chain scission from copolyesters consisting of aromatic and aliphatic dicarbonic acids can be predicted depending on their composition. These results will have an evident influence on the evaluation of the biodegradability of commercially interesting copolyesters and lead to new ways of tailor-made designing of new biodegradable materials as well.