Influence of poly(butylene succinate) and calcium carbonate nanoparticles on the biodegradability of high density-polyethylene nanocomposites

Abstract

The biodegradation is becoming one of the most imperative properties of plastic products nowadays to promote the sustainable development and the conservation of the environment. In this framework, the main objectives of this study are to prepare an environmental friendly high density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposite and investigate the effect of the incorporation of nanoparticles of calcium carbonate (NPCC) and poly butylene succinate (PBS) on the prepared nanocomposites. The nanocomposites of HDPE/PBS/NPCC samples were prepared by the addition of PBS and NPCC at (1, 2 and 4 wt%) to HDPE matrix using the injection molding technique. Morphological, mechanical, thermal, physical and biodegradation analysis were conducted on the nanocomposite samples. The mechanical properties of the samples were improved (the elongation at break by 35%, and the impact strength by 26%) compared to the neat HDPE. Moreover, the thermal and physical properties were enhanced by reinforcement NPCC to the nanocomposites. The biodegradation occurrence in the HDPE nanocomposite samples was proved by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations and the weight loss percentage (0.265 wt% after 8 weeks).