Effect of methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer on the thermooxidation and biodegradation of LDPE/plasticized starch blends

Abstract

The effect of methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MBS) on the thermooxidative degradation and biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/plasticized starch (PLST) blends was examined. Ethylene- co-acrylic acid (EAA) was used as compatibilizer and cobalt stearate as pro-oxidant. The thermooxidative degradation was followed by means of Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, gravimetric measurements and mechanical properties during incubation of the blends in an air oven at 70 °C. It was found that the oxidation rate increases with increasing amount of EAA and MBS in the blends. The disintegration period also depends on the incubation time. Blends with higher amounts of PLST show a higher rate of biodegradation as monitored during burial in soil. The amount of MBS does not affect the biodegradation of the blends.