Anti‐Hydrolysis, UV Absorber, and Photostabilizer Additives Effect on Degradation of Poly(Butylene Adipate‐co‐Terephthalate) Biocomposite Film for Mulching Application

ABSTRACT The accumulation of polyethylene (PE) plastics has driven agricultural practitioners to adopt biodegradable mulch (BDM) films, with poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) emerging as a popular choice. Despite its biodegradability, PBAT is susceptible to photodegradation and slow decomposition. This study explores the transformative potential of protective additives (UV absorbers, light stabilizers, and anti‐hydrolysis [AH] agents) in enhancing PBAT biocomposite's resilience. Hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), carbon black (CB), and AH were incorporated into PBAT/Thermoplastic starch (TPS) biocomposites at concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 wt% to assess their performance under natural weathering and soil burial conditions. Utilizing a design of experiment (DOE) approach, significant findings were revealed: all additives improved tensile properties and mitigated degradation, with AH having the most substantial impact, contributing to the preservation of tensile strength by over 32.8% under natural weathering conditions and 57.3% in soil burial conditions. This research underscores the critical role of AH, HALS, and CB in fortifying PBAT biocomposite films against environmental challenges, marking a significant advancement in the pursuit of durable and sustainable agricultural solutions.