ISO 10210-2012 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10210:2012 — Plastics — Methods for the preparation of samples for biodegradation testing of plastic materials. This International Standard defines procedures for preparing test specimens used when determining the ultimate aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of plastics in different media (aqueous medium, soil, controlled compost, anaerobic digesting sludge). It is intended to ensure dimensional consistency and reproducibility of biodegradation test results.

Abstract

ISO 10210:2012 describes recommended geometries, cutting and shaping techniques, and handling/conditioning practices for producing representative, dimensionally consistent test samples of plastic materials (polymers, copolymers, blends, materials with additives and fillers, and finished products) used in biodegradability testing. The methods apply across media (aqueous, soil, compost, anaerobic sludge) and are intended to improve repeatability and comparability of results reported by biodegradation test methods.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed after systematic review).
• Publication date: 7 August 2012 (ISO publication, edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 (Plastics).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2012.
• Number of pages: 19.

Scope

This standard specifies methods for preparing test samples used when determining the ultimate aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in various environments (aqueous medium, soil, controlled compost, anaerobic digesting sludge). It covers preparation of types of specimens commonly required by biodegradation test methods (e.g., films, sheets, molded pieces, powders/granules where applicable), and gives guidance on cutting, machining, moulding, cleaning, conditioning and dimensional control so that test specimens are reproducible and representative of the material under assessment. ISO 10210 does not itself prescribe biodegradation test procedures or pass/fail criteria — it is intended to be used together with the specific biodegradation test standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended specimen types and geometries (films, plaques, molded pieces, granules/powders) tailored to the downstream biodegradation test method.
• Instructions for producing specimens (cutting, punching, machining, molding) with attention to surface damage, edge effects and thickness control.
• Dimensional tolerances and target sample dimensions to improve repeatability between laboratories.
• Guidance on cleaning, drying, conditioning and storage of samples prior to testing to avoid contamination or pre-degradation.
• Advice on handling composite materials, filled plastics and materials containing additives so samples remain representative of the product.
• Recommendations for labelling, identification and reporting of sample preparation details in test reports to support traceability and interpretation of biodegradation results.

Typical use and users

ISO 10210 is used by test laboratories, material manufacturers, R&D teams, certification bodies and regulators involved in biodegradability and compostability assessment of plastics. Typical users include analytical laboratories performing ISO/AOAC/ASTM biodegradation tests, product developers preparing standardized test specimens, and conformity assessment organizations requiring consistent sample preparation for inter-laboratory studies and certification schemes.

Related standards

ISO 10210 is intended to be used alongside biodegradation and compostability test standards such as ISO 14851, ISO 14852, ISO 14855-1 / ISO 14855-2 (aerobic biodegradability tests), ISO 16929 (disintegration under composting conditions), ISO 17088 (specification for compostable plastics), and related national or international methods (for example ASTM biodegradation methods and EN/ISO compostability framework standards). It complements rather than replaces the specific test-method standards that measure biodegradation endpoints (O2/CO2 evolution, disintegration, etc.).

Keywords

plastics, biodegradability, sample preparation, specimen geometry, composting, aerobic, anaerobic, test specimens, sample conditioning, ISO 10210

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10210:2012 provides standardized methods for preparing specimens of plastic materials for biodegradability testing so that test results are reproducible and comparable between laboratories.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen types, recommended geometries, preparation techniques (cutting, molding, machining), conditioning, cleaning and dimensional control for samples used in aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation tests in media such as aqueous systems, soil, controlled compost and anaerobic sludge.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Laboratories performing biodegradation testing, material manufacturers and product developers preparing test samples, certification and conformity assessment bodies, and researchers running inter-laboratory comparisons.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10210 was published on 7 August 2012 (Edition 1) and has been maintained by ISO. Users should check the national/ISO catalogue for any subsequent revisions or confirmations; the edition is the 2012 version (19 pages).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the broader suite of ISO standards on plastics and biodegradation testing and is intended to be used together with specific test-method standards (for example ISO 14851, ISO 14852, ISO 14855 series, ISO 16929, ISO 17088).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: plastics, biodegradability, specimen preparation, sample conditioning, composting, aerobic testing, anaerobic testing, ISO 10210.