Development of photodegradable low density polyethylene blends for industrial applications

Abstract

Photo activators were used to develop photodegradable Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) blends. The photo activators such as TiO2 Coumarin (1.2-Benzopyrone), Camphor (2-Bornanone) were added to Low Density Polyethylene (LPDE) separately with different proportions. The mixture were properly prepared using a laboratory scale internal mixture. The mixed sample were molded in to thin sheets using tensile, impact, water absorption and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR) at normal environment and exposure to UV lights. The environmental photodegradability of polymer blend was investigated by determining the time depend stress-strain properties, weight loss and water absorption properties after expose to normal environment and UV source. Tensile strength decreased with increasing UV exposure time of all specimens. Similarly water absorption and weight loss increased with UV exposure time.