Degradation of polyethylene–starch blends in soil

Abstract

Binary polymer films containing different percentages of corn starch and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were exposed to soils over a period of 8 months and monitored for starch removal and chemical changes of the matrix using FTIR spectroscopy. A standard curve using the area of the CO stretch band and an empirical second‐degree polynomial to fit the data made it possible to calculate starch concentration over a wide range (0–46% by mass). Starch removal was found to proceed rapidly during the first 40 days and to nearcompletion in very high starch blends (52% and 67% by weight). Starch removal was slower, consisting of mostly surface removal in 29% starch blends. Weight loss data supported spectroscopic data showing similar gross features. Weight loss and spectroscopic data were consistent with percolation theory and suggested that starch removal continues past 240 days. Degradation rates in different soils containing different amounts of organic matter were approximately the same after a period of a few weeks. IR analysis did not show significant chemical changes in the polyethylene matrix after 240 days. However, the matrix did show evidence of swelling, an increase in surface area, and removal of low molecular weight components.