Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle on enhancing degradation of polylactic acid/low density polyethylene blend films

Autor: Tatiya Trongsatitkul, Wimonlak Sutapun, Naruenart Pairoh, Maleewan Tu-morn
Rok vydání: 2019
Předmět:
Zdroj: Materials Today: Proceedings. 17:2048-2061
ISSN: 2214-7853
DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2019.06.253
Popis: The study reports the use of the photocatalyst titanium dioxide nanoparticle in combination with biodegradable polymer polylactic acid (PLA) to enhance degradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Blown film extrusion was used to prepare LDPE film containing a constant content of 10 wt% PLA and various amount of TiO2 nanoparticle (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 phr). Photodegradation according to ASTM D 1435 and soil-burial biodegradation studies were carried out for 4 weeks to determine the effects of TiO2 concertation on the degradation rate. The results indicated that photodegradation increased with TiO2 concertation. Maximum weight loss, carbonyl index (FTIR spectroscopy) were obtained in the film with 1.5 phr TiO2. Modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased over time from 2nd week onward. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used and confirmed that the poorer mechanical properties were due to microvoids presented on the film surface after solar irradiation. The presence of PLA further enhanced degradation of the film as compared to the neat LDPE. On the other hand, films undergone soil burial test for biodegradation showed constant properties over the period of 4 weeks. No weight loss, carbonyl index, and change in mechanical properties were observed. These results inferred that TiO2 could be effectively used to enhanced polymer film degradation only when solar irradiation was obtainable.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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