Thermal-and Bio-degradation of Starch-Polyethylene Films Containing High Molecular Weight Oxidized-Polyethylene

Starch-polyethylene films containing high molecular weight(NW) oxidized-polyethylene and prooxidant were prepared , and thermal -and bio-degradability of the films were determined. Increased levels of starch resulted in a corresponding reduction in mechanical strength of the films. However, the addition of high MW oxidized-polyethylene did not significantly reduce the percent elongation of the films. Thefilms containing high MW oxidized-polyethylene andproosicant were degreaded faster than those containing no aadditive during the heat treatment. The films lost their measureable mechanical properties when their weight-average MW(Mw) fell below 50,000. Biodegradability of the films was determined by a pure culture assay with either Streptomyces badius 252.S. setonii 75Vi2 or S. viridosporous T7A, and by an extracellulr enzyme assay using S. setonii 75vi2. The results from pure culture assay indicated that biomass accumulation on the film surface inhibited chemical and biological degradation of the films. The extracellular enzyme assay demonstrated decrease of percent elongation and increase of carbonyl index of the films. Therefore, extracellular enzyme assay could be used as a good method to evaluate biodegradability of the films.