Biodegradability Studies on LDPE-Starch Blends Using Amylase-Producing Vibrios

Low-density polyethylene, (LDPE) was mixed with two grades of tapioca starch-low-grade and high-grade. Various compositions were prepared and mechanical and thermal studies performed. The biodegradability of these samples was checked using a culture medium containing Vibrios (an amylase-producing bacteria), which was isolated from a marine benthic environment. The soil burial test and reprocessability of these samples were checked. The studies on biodegradability show that these blends are partially biodegradable. These low-density polyethylene-starch blends are reprocessable without sacrificing much of their mechanical properties.