The Ultraviolet Radiation Influence on the Physical-Mechanical and Structural Characteristics of a Biodegradable Polymeric Material Based on Polylactide and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) during Compost Storage

Introduction: The use of biodegradable packaging as an alternative to traditional polymer materials will reduce the amount of synthetic polymers, leading to a decrease in negative environmental impact. Research in this direction is mainly focused on analyzing the rate of degradation of such materials. However, the influence of external factors on degradable plastics, such as radiation, thermal or ultrasonic treatment, before composting storage, is insufficiently studied.

Purpose: To study the impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the changes in the physical-mechanical and morphological properties of a biodegradable compound material based on polylactide (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) during laboratory compost storage.

Materials and Methods: The purpose of the research was biodegradable polymer films based on a mixture of PLA and PBAT. Changes in strength indicators were conducted according to GOST 14236-2017. Particle size was determined by the bright field method on an Axio Lab. A1 microscope with Axiocam 105 color optics. IR spectra registration was performed on a macro module of the IR-Fourier spectrometer-microscope Bruker Lumos (Germany). Surface analysis of the samples was conducted on a Vega 3 scanning electron microscope (Tescan, Czech Republic).

Results: Irradiation of the material before placement in the soil leads to an acceleration of the degradation process: the strength at break of the material decreases by 23.3% faster, and the strength of the welded seams decreases by 70.0%. The analysis of the surface structure of the material after 120 days of storage in compost showed significant changes: numerous cracks were observed on the surface, extending deep into the material almost across the entire surface.

Conclusion: The obtained data on the change in the surface structure of the samples after exposure to UV radiation indicates dynamically occurring decomposition processes, creating a real perspective for minimizing environmental risks in the segment of environmental protection related to packaging disposal.

Keywords: biodegradable materials, destruction, ultraviolet, composting

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