Understanding the degradation process of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/ poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biocomposite mulch films and the effects of stabilizers under accelerated aging test

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuchuan Tian ◽  
Bing Zhou ◽  
James H. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Accelerated Aging Test ◽  
Aging Test ◽  
Mulch Films

scholarly journals Degradation and Stabilization of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co- Terephthalate)/Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biodegradable Mulch Films Under Different Aging Tests

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuchuan Tian ◽  
James Wang ◽  
Bing Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Type I ◽  
Soil Aging ◽  
Aging Test ◽  
Norrish Type ◽  
Biodegradable Mulch ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Mulch Films

Abstract The degradation and stability of biodegradable films determine the service length of mulch films in actual use. Most biodegradable polymers degrade too fast to meet the required durability of mulch films. The objective of this work is to investigate the degradation behaviors of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) /polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) blend mulch films. Several different types of stabilizers were incorporated in the biodegradable blends to provide protection for the PHA/PBAT films during thermal processing and aging on agricultural fields. The degradation process of the films was systematically studied under an Accelerated Aging Test (AAT) and a Soil Aging Test (SAT). Adding a light stabilizer, UV stabilizer, or antioxidant to the mulch films led to significant improvement in the retention of mechanical properties of the films under both AAT and SAT. Morphological evolution of the films with or without a UV stabilizer as a function of aging times was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of thermal properties and crystallinity revealed damage of crystal structure of the films during AAT. Spectrocopic results indicated that the films underwent both hydrolysis and photodegradative chain scissions (Norrish Type I/II reactions and photo-oxidation). The degradation mechanisms of the PHA/PBAT biodegradable mulch films were proposed.

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