| Popis: |
Recently, polyethylene bags have become the highest source of environmental pollution due to long hydrocarbons contained in their polymer chains which hinders its degradation. The present study investigated biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film and plasticized cassava starch (PCS) blends through casting methods. Five sample blends were produced by varying composition of LDPE and cassava starch (CS) using glycerol and water as plasticizers. Biodegradation behaviour of LDPE/PCS blends were determined by soil burial analysis within a period of 75 days. The results of the soil burial revealed continuous loss of weight with increased PCS content and number of days. Microanalysis was performed to isolate microorganisms from the active soil that contained the blend samples. The biodegradation was further confirmed by investigating the physical characterizations of the blend samples before and after biodegradation using international standards. The results of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) revealed chemical functional group changes after biodegradation. The tensile strength of the blends decreased with increased PCS content and incubation period. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed biodegraded microstructures with continuous crack dissemination, cavities and rough surfaces after soil burial. This study has revealed the environmental compatibility and biodegradability of PCS on thermoplastics. It, therefore, concludes that the rate of biodegradation exhibited by the blends in this study will eventually expedite their continuous reduction in the soil if utilized frequently. |
