DEGRADATION STUDIES OF SELECTED MILK PACKAGING PLASTIC BAGS

Abstract

This Study reports the comparative analysis between Photo-degradation, Soil degradation and compost method of milk packets LDPE collected from retail market. The ability of soil and sun light and compost in degradation of LDPE films were investigated. The test is carried out to evaluate the degradation of films in both conditions up to 6 weeks. Degradation of films in soil & light were monitored using both tensile test and SEM micrograph. When the total biodegradation process of any organic substrate is considered the formation of microbial colony is critical to the initiation of biodegradation. Thus, the duration of the microbial colonization is an important factor that effects total degradation period as shown in SEM micrographs exposed films samples exhibit progressive changes towards degradation. Tensile test results exhibits there is a change in Tensile strength, tensile modulus & extension at break with respect to control film. Compost method is more efficient method of polymer degradation compare to natural weathering and soil burial as shown in the mechanical properties graphs.