Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-2024
Degree Name
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical and Materials Engineering
First Advisor
Lisa Axe
Second Advisor
Murat Guvendiren
Third Advisor
Xiaobo Li
Fourth Advisor
Osnat Gillor
Abstract
The use of polyethylene (PE) films to improve soil conditions and to increase crop yield has produced microplastics that are harmful to our ecosystem. The overall objective of this thesis is to develop an effective biodegradable polymer/composite to replace PE, and hence, to reduce microplastic pollution. The focus of this research is to develop a systematic protocol for assessing the suitability of the biodegradable films based on industry standards in agriculture. For this purpose, a range of biodegradable polymer blends are prepared using polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) with varying PLA to PBAT ratios. Solvent casting combined with hot melt press procedure is developed for reproducible fabrication of films with controlled film thickness. The blend formulation is further tuned by incorporating nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to enhance film properties. The effect of film composition on mechanical behavior, water absorption, thermal properties, and UV ageing is reported.
Recommended Citation
Xing, Fangzhong, "Methodology for developing biodegradable polymer blends and composites for agriculture" (2024). Theses. 2593.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2593
