Development of mulch films from biodegradable polymer and agro-industrial waste

Autor: Railha Antunes de França, Ana Carolina Ferreira dos Santos Rosa, Cristiano José de Farias Braz, Renata Barbosa, Tatianny Soares Alves
Jazyk: English<br />Portuguese
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Polímeros, Vol 34, Iss 1 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1678-5169
0104-1428
DOI: 10.1590/0104-1428.20230043
Popis: Abstract Plasticulture improves crop quality and yield through polymeric films, but their improper disposal harms the environment due to humidity and contamination. This study aimed to develop biodegradable mulch films using soybean and peanut hulls and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The residues were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and mulch films were evaluated by water absorption, contact angle and mechanical properties. The thermal behavior of the residues indicated stability below 200ºC. The agro-waste improved hydrophobicity but increased the water absorption values of the films by up to 18.5x (PBAT/SH5 after 14 days). Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicated an important distribution of residue particles and formation of agglomerates, leading to lower mechanical performance. The study found that agro-industrial residues in powder form can be added to the polymeric matrix to produce biodegradable mulch films through traditional processing techniques. This approach has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable production system.
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