Zeena, Hamza P; Dr.Thomas, Kurian(Cochin University of Science And Technology, October , 2012)
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Abstract:
Biodegradation is the chemical degradation of materials brought
about by the action of naturally occurring microorganisms. Biodegradation
is a relatively rapid process under suitable conditions of moisture, temperature
and oxygen availability. The logic behind blending biopolymers such as starch
with inert polymers like polyethylene is that if the biopolymer component is
present in sufficient amount, and if it is removed by microorganisms in the
waste disposal environment, then the base inert plastic should slowly
degrade and disappear.
The present work focuses on the preparation of biodegradable and
photodegradable blends based on low density polyethylene incorporating small
quantities of ionomers as compatibilizers.
The thesis consists of eight chapters. The first chapter presents an
introduction to the present research work and literature survey. The details of
the materials used and the experimental procedures undertaken for the study
are described in the second chapter. Preparation and characterization of low
density polyethylene (LDPE)-biopolymer (starch/dextrin) blends are
described in the third chapter. The result of investigations on the effect of
polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid ionomers on the compatibility of LDPE
and starch are reported in chapter 4. Chapter 5 has been divided into two
parts. The first part deals with the effect of metal oxides on the
photodegradation of LDPE. The second part describes the function of
metal stearates on the photodegradation of LDPE. The results of the
investigations on the role of various metal oxides as pro-oxidants on the
degradation of ionomer compatibilized LDPE-starch blends are reported in
chapter 6. Chapter 7 deals with the results of investigations on the role of
various metal stearates as pro-oxidants on the degradation of ionomer
compatibilized LDPE-starch blends. The conclusion of the investigations is
presented in the last chapter of the thesis.
Description:
Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology,
Cochin University of Science and Technology