Extraction of photo activators using natural resources to develop photodegradable polymer products

Abstract

Photodegradable polymer products are developed to control the plastic waste generation and better for the environment. These polymers can break down through the action of ultraviolet (UV) light, which degrades the chemical bond or link in the polymer and chemical structure of the polymer. This process can be assisted by the presence of U Insensitive additives (photo activators) in polymer. Here, Photo activators were extractedfrom natural resources like rue leaves, spearmint leaves and lllmenite. The extracted products were analysed and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Iodoform test and chemical analysis. Addding those photo activators with Law density polyethelene (LDPE) polymer blends were prepared and testings were conducted to measure the photo degradation behavior. According to the test results these extracted photo activators can be used to develop photodegradable polymer products in a cost effective manner to save the environment.