Standard and Processing of Photodegradable Polyethylene

The introduction of degradable plastic materials into
agricultural sectors has represented a promising alternative to
promote green agriculture and environmental friendly of modern
farming practices. Major challenges of developing degradable
agricultural films are to identify the most feasible types of
degradation mechanisms, composition of degradable polymers and
related processing techniques. The incorrect choice of degradable
mechanisms to be applied during the degradation process will cause
premature losses of mechanical performance and strength. In order to
achieve controlled process of agricultural film degradation, the
compositions of degradable agricultural film also important in order
to stimulate degradation reaction at required interval of time and to
achieve sustainability of the modern agricultural practices. A set of
photodegradable polyethylene based agricultural film was developed
and produced, following the selective optimization of processing
parameters of the agricultural film manufacturing system. Example of
agricultural films application for oil palm seedlings cultivation is
presented.

• Nurul-Akidah M. Yusak
• Rahmah Mohamed
• Noor Zuhaira Abd Aziz

• Photodegradable polyethylene
• plasticulture
• processing schemes.

[1] S. Kasirajan, M. Nguojio, “Polyethylene and biodegradable mulches for
agricultural applications: a review,” Agron. Sustain. Dev., vol. 32, no. 2,
pp. 501-529, 2012.
[2] D. Briassoulis, “Analysis of the mechanical and degradation
performances of optimised agricultural biodegradable films,” Polym.
Degrad. Stab, vol. 92, no. 6, pp. 1115-1132, 2007.
[3] D. Briassoulis, E. Babou, M. Hiskakis, “Degradation behaviour and field
perforamance of experimental biodegradable drip irrigation systems,” J.
Polym Environ, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 341-361, 2011.
[4] D. Briassoulis, C. Dejean, “Critical review of norms and standards for
biodegradable agricultural plastics part 1. Biodegradation in soil,” J.
Polym. Environ., vol 18, no. , pp. 384-400, 2010.
[5] E. Rudnik, D. Birassoulis, “Degradation behaviour of poly(lactic acid)
films and fibres in soil under Mediterranean field conditions and
laboratory simulations testing,” Indust. Crops. Prod, vol. 33, no. 3, pp.
648-658, 2011. [6] J. Arutchelvi, M. Sudhakar, A. Arkatkar, M. Doble, S. Bhaduri, P.V.
Appara, “Biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene,” Indian J.
Biotech,vol. 7, pp. 9-22, 2008.
[7] R. Mohamed, A.F. Mohd, A.F.I. Abdullah, “Effect of Aging on Film
Strength and Morphology of Natural Additive Polypropylene Packaging
Film,” J. Mat.Sci Eng, vol. 5, pp. 555-560.
[8] D. Briassoulis, C. Dejean, P. Picuno, “Critical review of norms and
standards for biodegradable agricultural plastics Part II: Composting,” J
Polym Environ, vol. 18, pp. 364-3883, 2010.
[9] N.A.M. Yusak, R. Mohamed, M.A. Ramli, “Mechanical analysis of
polyethylene/polypropylene blend with photodegradant,” J Appli Sci
Agri, vol.9, no. 11, pp. 300-305, 2014.
[10] M. Ito, K. Nagai, “Degradation issues of polymer materials used in
railway field,” Polym Degrad Stab, vol, 93, no. 10, pp. 1723-1735,
2008.
[11] K. Rajakumar, V. Sarasvathy, A. T. Chelvan, R. Chitra, C.T.
Vijayakumar, “Natural weathering studies of polypropylene,” J Polym
Environ, vol. 17, pp. 191-202, 2009.
[12] A. Krzan, S. Hemjinda, S. Miertus, A. Corti, E. Chiellini, “
Standardization and certification in the area of environmentally
degradable plastics,” Polym Degrad Stab, vol. 91, no. 12, pp. 2819-
2833, 2006.
[13] J. D. Cooney, G. Colin, D.M. Wiles, “Sunlight and the microbial
susceptibility of thermoplastics,” ASTM International, pp. 17-27, 1973.
[14] K. D. Walter, J.F. Johnson, J. Tanaka, Polymer Degradation and its
Measurement. ASTM International, 1967, ch 5.
[15] O. Kulikov, K. Hornung, “A simple way to suppress surface defects in
the processing of polyethylene,” J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech, vol.
124, no. 1-3, pp. 103-114, 2004.