Changes in the Properties of LD-PE during Biodegradation in Soil

Commercial formulations of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were subjected to an outdoor soil burial test for two years to investigate the environmental degradation under natural conditions. Samples periodically retrieved from soil were examined for changes in physical character, tensile properties, dielectric behaviour, X-ray diffraction pattern and FTIR spectra. Irrespective of thickness and colour, load-extension curves of all samples reflect complete or partial destruction of plastic and elastic regions after 15 to 17 months of soil exposure. IR spectra after 17 months revealed major absorption of the carbonyl peak in polyethylene structure. XRD graphs reflected possible damage in the amorphous region of the polymer matrix. Microbial colonization was evident after 7-9 months and disrupted holes under Scanning Electron Microscope after 17-22 months further revealed degradation of LDPE films under natural soil conditions.

Autorentext

T. Mumtaz continued her research on LDPE biodegradaion as MPhil project under direct supervision of Professor Dr. Mahbubar Rahman Khan of Botany Dept, Dhaka University, Bangladesh. The study demonstrated environmental degradation of LDPE films in soil and it is the first report of this kind in the country. Tabassum is currently a scientist at BAEC.