Biodegradation of additive PHBV/PP-co-PE films buried in soil

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Abstract

Abstract There is considerable concern about the impact plastic materials have on the environment due to their durability and resistance to degradation. The use of pro-oxidant additives in the polymer films could be a viable way to decrease the harmful effects of these discarded materials. In this study, films of PHBV/PP-co-PE (80/20 w/w) and PHBV/PP-co-PE/add (80/19/1 w/w/w) (with pro-oxidant additive) were employed to verify the influence of the additive on the biodegradation of these films in the soil. These films were obtained by melting the pellets in a press at 180 °C which were buried in soil columns for 3 and 6 months. Some samples were also heated before being buried in soil. The biodegradation is higher for the additive blend buried for 3 months than for the pre-heated blend. After 6 months the blend buried and heated/buried was completely degraded in soil. The effect of the additive, on chain oxidation, is more time-dependant than heat-dependant.

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Effect of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) on the thermal, mechanical and morphological property of biodegradable PLA/PBAT blend and its nanocomposites.

Mukesh Kumar, S. Mohanty, S.K. Nayak … (2010)

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) blend and its nanocomposites were prepared using melt blending technique. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) has been used as a reactive compatibilizer to improve the interface between PLA and PBAT. Mechanical studies indicated an increase in impact strength and tensile modulus of PLA matrix with the increase in PBAT loading. PLA/PBAT blend prepared at ratio of 75:25 exhibited optimum impact strength. Further, incorporation of GMA to the tune of 5wt.% and nanoclay shows an increase of impact strength. Morphological interpretations through SEM reveals improved interfacial adhesion between the PLA/PBAT blend in presence of GMA and nanoclay. XRD studies indicated an increase in d-spacing in PLA/PBAT/C20A blend nanocomposite thus revealing intercalated morphology. DSC and TGA thermograms also showed improved thermal properties as compared with virgin PLA. DMA tests revealed an increase in damping factor, confirming strong influence between PLA/PBAT blend in presence of GMA and nanoclay. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.