Fabrication of LLDPE based biodegradable composite incorporated with leather shavings and buffing dust: An approach for waste management

The aim of this study is to fabricate biodegradable composite films from leather shavings (LS) and leather buffing (LB) blended with linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by twin-screw extrusion process with blow molding mechanism. Various quantities of leather fiber is used to fabricate the composite films and as prepared films were characterized by FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, OTR, biodegradability, water absorption, and mechanical properties respectively. FTIR analysis is performed to validate the chemical bonding between LB/LLDPE and LS/LLDPE. TGA and DSC studies are used to determine the thermal stability whereas SEM analysis is used to examine the surface morphology of fabricated composite films. Oxygen gas barrier properties of LB/LLDPE and LS/LLDPE composite films are enhanced by 11.32% and 15.17% respectively compared to pure LLDPE film. Tensile strengths (TS) of the composite materials are augmented by 228.75% and 313.73% while elongation at break is decreased by 57.85% and 50.09% for LB/LLDPE and LS/LLDPE respectively compared with pure LLDPE film. Water absorption capacity is increased by 4.54% and 3.36% whereas weight loss percentage is improved 7 and 5 times respectively for LB/LLDPE and LS/LLDPE composite. Hence, the fabricated composite films can be used as cost-effective, biodegradable, and flexible composite films for packaging and interior partitioning.

Automated summary

The aim of this study is to fabricate biodegradable composite films using leather shavings and leather buffing blended with linear low density polyethylene. The fabricated films showed improved oxygen gas barrier properties, mechanical properties, and biodegradability, making them suitable for packaging and interior partitioning applications.