Biodegradation in Composting Conditions of PBEAS Monofilaments for the Sustainable End‐Use of Fishing Nets

The development and utilization of biodegradable plastics is an effective way to overcome environmental pollution caused by the disposal of non-degradable plastics. Recently, polybutylene succinate co-butylene adipate co-ethylene succinate co-ethylene adipate, (PBEAS) a biodegradable polymer with excellent strength and elongation, was developed to replace conventional nylon-based non-degradable fishing nets. The biodegradable fishing gear developed in this way can greatly contribute to inhibiting ghost fishing that may occur at the fishing site. In addition, by collecting the products after use and disposing of them in composting conditions, the environmental problem such as the leakage of microplastics strongly can be prevented. In this study, the aerobic biodegradation of PBEAS fishing nets under composting conditions is evaluated and the resulting changes in physicochemical properties are analyzed. The PBEAS fishing gear exhibits a mineralization rate of 82% in a compost environment for 45 days. As a result of physicochemical analysis, PBEAS fibers show a representative decrease in molecular weight and mechanical properties under composting conditions. PBEAS fibers can be used as eco-friendly biodegradable fishing gear that can replace existing non-degradable nylon fibers, and in particular, fishing gear collected after use can be returned to nature through biodegradation under composting conditions.