Degradative Analysis of Sodium Salt of Poly(Ethylene-Co-Methacrylic Acid) Compatibilized LDPE-Starch- Mixtures Containing Metal Stearates

Abstract

Different weight percentages (0.5% and 1%) of ferric, manganese, cupric, magnesium, and zinc stearates were incorporated into low-density polyethylene-starch blends, compatibilized with 5% of sodium salt of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer. The role of trace amounts of metal stearates as pro-oxidants in these blends was evaluated through various methods, including mechanical properties, melt flow indices, biodegradability, photodegradability, photobiodegradability, water absorption, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of metal stearates altered the mechanical characteristics of the mixtures. Several degradation experiments indicated that the addition of metal stearates enhanced the degradation potential of the blends. SEM micrographs confirm the biodegradation of pro-oxidant integrated mix samples.