Development of Biodegradable Polymer Blends Using Pectin and Low Density Polyethylene

Sitinamaluwa H. S. Somasiri G. W. D. Samarasekara A.M.P.B.

February 7, 2013

Polyethylene Waste Problem

Polyethylene Waste Reduction

Reduce consumption Reuse Incineration Recycling Substitute polymers with degradable materials Invention of biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable Polymers
Natural Polymers Cellulose, Starch, Chitin, Chitosan, Proteins, Pectin
Natural Polymers + Synthetic Polymers Partially Biodegradable Polymer Blend

Focus of Study

Studying the ability of extracting pectin from an industrial waste. Finding out the ability of pectin to enhance biodegradability of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) blends. Investigating how incorporation of pectin is affected on mechanical properties of LDPE/Pectin blends.

Pectin

Pectin substances are complex mixtures of polysaccharides.

Availability of Pectin
Agricultural Product Pectin Yield(%)

Papaya
Banana Guava

1.00
0.62 0.99

Mango
Pineapple Passion Fruit Passion fruit rind

0.38
0.13 0.05 2.1-3.00

Pectin Extraction

Filtering Cooling 4oC

Pectin Yield = 20% of the rind weight

FTIR Analysis of Extracted Pectin

Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)

Used

in determining the thermal behavior and composition of naturally occurring and manufactured products. and chemical changes in polymeric materials with increasing temperature can be determined.

Physical

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

The mass of a sample in a controlled atmosphere is recorded continuously as a function of temperature. Provide information about decomposition mechanisms of various polymer materials.

DTA and TGA of Pure Pectin

DTA and TGA of Pure LDPE

DTA and TGA of LDPE- Pectin Polymer Blend

DTA and TGA results

Polymer blend was a physical mixture of Pectin and LDPE. The blend should be processed at a temperature between 120oC 200oC to ensure the complete melting of the blend and also to ensure that the blend is not decomposed.

Preparation of Polymer Blend

Mixing various proportion of Pectin

1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 10% 15% Biodegradability Mechanical Properties

Sample Preparation
Mixing
Speed = 30 rpm Time = 5 min

Sample Preparation

T=150oC

T = 150oC
Holding = 5 min Cooling = 5 min

Laboratory Scale Internal Mixer

Hydraulic Press

Evaluation of Biodegradability

Degradation is a result of the activities of various biological populations. A special soil bed was prepared to gain an environment which is equivalent to the actual degrading environment. Biodegradability was evaluated as the variation of physical properties as a function of time under soil.

Soil Burial Test

Soil Bed Preparation

Soil bed was prepared using a soil and compost mixture. It was prepared according to BS 4618-1974 standard.

Testing
Tensile strength, water absorption and weight loss after soil burial test was measured.

Weight Loss After Soil Burial Test

6 5 Weight Loss (%) 4

3
2 1 0

0%

1%
1 week

2%

12 weeks

3% 4% Pectin Amount (%) 3 weeks 6 weeks 14 weeks 16 weeks

5%
8 weeks

10%

15%

18 weeks

Tensile Test

Tensile strength is a very important property to be considered when selecting a polymer for an application.

Tensile test was carried out according to ASTM D638(2008) standards.

Tensile Strength
14 12 Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 10 8 6 4 After 12 weeks after 8 weeks before soil burial test

2 0
0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 10%15% After 16 weeks

Pectin amount(%)

Water Absorption Test

Water absorption is an indirect measure of biodegradability.

Water absorption test was conducted according to ASTM D 570 98 Standards.

Water Absorption After Soil Burial Test

3.50 Water Absorption (%) 3.00 2.50

2.00
1.50 1.00 0.50

0.00 0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 10% 15% Pectin Amount (%) 6 weeks 8 weeks 16 weeks 18 weeks

1 week 14 weeks

12 weeks

Conclusions

It is possible to obtain a Pectin yield of 20% of the dry weight of passion fruit rind.

Strength of LDPE/Pectin blends lies between 8 11 N/mm2. Therefore the tensile strength of the blends lies in an acceptable range.

Conclusions
Incorporation of Pectin has enhanced biodegradability of LDPE blends. Polymer blend is a physical mixture of Pectin and LDPE.

It is possible to obtain a polymer blend with enhanced biodegradability by mixing Pectin and LDPE.

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