Journal
POLYMERS
Volume 14, Issue 10, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/polym14102086
Keywords
polyurethanes; poly([R; S)-3-hydroxybutyrate); poly([D; L]-lactide); starch; (bio)degradability; soil
Categories
Funding
- European Union [872152]
- Gdynia Maritime University [WZNJ/2022/PZ/10]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This paper presents the results of testing the susceptibility to degradation in soil of branched polyesterurethane (PUR) based on poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (R,S-PHB), modified with poly([D,L]-lactide) (PLA) and starch (St). The study found that these materials underwent enzymatic degradation caused by microorganisms in the soil, resulting in changes in surface morphology while having minimal changes in molecular weight, chemical structure, and thermal properties.
A very important method of reducing the amount of polymer waste in the environment is the introduction to the market of polymers susceptible to degradation under the influence of environmental factors. This paper presents the results of testing the susceptibility to degradation in soil of branched polyesterurethane (PUR) based on poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (R,S-PHB), modified with poly([D,L]-lactide) (PLA) and starch (St). Weight losses of samples and changes in surface morphology (SEM, OM and contact angle system) with simultaneously only slight changes in molecular weight (GPC), chemical structure (FTIR and (HNMR)-H-1) and thermal properties (DSC) indicate that these materials are subject to enzymatic degradation caused by the presence of microorganisms in the soil. Chemical modification of branched polyesterurethanes with R,S-PHB and their physical blending with small amounts of PLA and St resulted in a slow but progressive degradation of the samples.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available