Insights into the evaluation of the abiotic and biotic degradation rate of commercial pro-oxidant filled polyethylene (PE) thin films

In this study, commercial products formulated from polyethylene (PE) with pro-oxidant additives, were subjected to abiotic and biotic environments. The materials were presumed to be oxo-biodegradable plastics with thicknesses varying between 30 and 70 μm, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) filler content reaching up to 11 wt%. Accelerated (aging) weathering tests conducted revealed that UV radiation triggered the biodegradation mechanism. Weight loss reached 50% after exposure to weathering which was attributed to triggering the fragmentation of the plastic films. Furthermore, some 83% of weight loss was estimated after 12 months of soil burial. Fluctuation of weight in mid exposure time spans was related to the cross-linking reaction within the polymeric matrix. The mechanical properties investigated along with the thermal stability profile determined for the materials showed that weathering was more severe than soil burial. Thermogravimetry revealed that onset temperature (Tos) was lower than conventional PO products by 25 °C. This could be attributed to the thermal response of the materials due to presence of ion salts and sterates within their composition. The claims by the manufacturing companies which provided the original specimens under an environmentally friendly pretence is disputed due to the fact that none of the products actually showed evidence of major fragmentation or deterioration after exposure to harsh environments. The work also paves the way in standardising assessment methodology for examining biodegradable plastics.