Polyethylene / amphiprotic blends as alternative for decreasing plastics residues in the environment

Abstract

This work evaluated the biodegradation of polyethylene and amphiprotic starch blends in the presence of the fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium (Ph) and Talaromyces wortmannii (BM-10). The mechanical properties of the blends decreased in function from the time of exposure to these fungi. The reduction of the mechanical strength was caused by the consumption of the starch constituent of the polymeric matrix, favoring the growth of the fungi. The production of CO2 by the fungi, reinforces the theory that the starch was consumed as a source of carbon yielding carbon dioxide and other by-products. Hence, the consumption of starch by these fungi is responsible for the partial degradation of the blends.