Oxo-Biodegradability of Polyethylene Blends with Starch, Cellulose and Synthetic Additives
Polyethylene (PE) is a pollutant packaging and mulch material. Therefore, it is necessary to raise its oxo-biodegradability by additives. Oxo-biodegradation is the degradation of PE in two steps: oxidation followed by microorganisms biodegradation. In this study, starch and cellulose are compared with synthetic additives. The results reveal that starch and cellulose cannot increase oxygen absorption and oxygenation as good as synthetic additives. However, they increase water absorption and make the surface of the bulk polymer more porous.