Preparation of Biodegradable Low Density Polyethylene by Starch – Urea Composition for Agricultural Applications

Abstract

<em>It has been proven that polyolefins specially low density polyethylene (LDPE), are resistant against degradation and microorganism attacks; Thus, one of the most important properties of industrial plastics, is their environmental biodegradability. Since plastics are being widely used in agriculture, horticulture and packaging, meeting this requirement becomes increasingly dificult (specially in IRAN as one of the biggest manufacturers of polyethylene materials).So, attention is focussed on production of biodegradable polyethylene. In this study, some different formulations based on starch and urea for making polyethylenes which are biodegradable in soil and moist media, have been investigated. The compounds produced are injection molded, and tested under natural conditions and their biodegradability has been studied. It has been thus possible to produce a biodegradable low-density polyethylene which is environmentally biodegradable material that is suitable for agriculture and packaging applications.</em>