Degradation behaviors of linear low-density polyethylene and poly(L-lactic acid) blends

In this study, the degradability of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) blend films under controlled composting conditions was investigated according to modified ASTM D 5338 (2003). Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the thermal and morphological properties of the plastic films. LLDPE 80 (80 wt % LLDPE and 20 wt % PLLA) degraded faster than grafted low-density polyethylenemaleic anhydride (M-g-L) 80/4 (80 wt % LLDPE, 20 wt % PLLA, and 4 phr compatibilizer) and pure LLDPE (LLDPE 100). The mechanical properties and weight changes were determined after composting. The tensile strength of LLDPE 100, LLDPE 80, and M-g-L 80/4 decreased by 20, 54, and 35%, respectively. The films, as a result of degradation, exhibited a decrease in their mass. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012