Evaluation of natural biodegradation of low-density polyethylene/modified corn flour composites

Abstract

Composites based of low density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with acetylated corn flour (ACF) at proportion of 10, 30 and 50 (%.Wt) were prepared. The biodegradation of resulting composites was studied in the environment using the soil burial test. The biodegradation were evaluated by different analysis techniques and were compared with the results recorded on these composites before the biodegradation test. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed an increase of the melting enthalpy and crystallinity of LDPE with evidence of degradation. The biodegradability of the composites was enhanced with increasing ACF content in the matrix. This result was supported by decrease in mechanical properties, by weight loss and degraded surface of composites observed through morphological studies.