Biodegradability of polymer film based on low density polyethylene and cassava starch

Bio-based materials with linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and a high content of thermoplastic starch (TPS) were prepared using the twin-screw extruder. The 25 gm thick films were blown with a Haake Polydrive internal mixer using a temperature profile with three zones: 160 degrees C, 170 degrees C and 165 degrees C. Morphology as well as thermal properties of the materials was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As revealed by FE-SEM, a good dispersion of the TPS phase in LLDPE matrix was obtained. The DSC result confirmed the remarkable influence of TPS phase on crystallinity of LLDPE. Biodegradation of material in the form of film specimens were determined by weight loss, morphological surface change and mechanical properties. The results show more than 10% of the bio-film's weight is degraded after 5 months in the compost environment (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.