UV resistance and biodegradation of PLA-based polymeric blends doped with PBS, PBAT, TPS

The design of new biodegradable polymers is important for solving the fossil resource and environmental pollution problems associated with conventional plastics. New PLA-based mixtures with the addition of PBAT, PBS and TPS, with different contents, were prepared to investigate their behavior after accelerated aging, as well as their potential for the biodegradation process. Their mechanical properties, mass, hardness, morphology, gloss and color change during UV irradiation progress, have been investigated. The samples were exposed to UV radiation for 21 d, their accelerated aging properties, were assessed weekly and compared with the non-aged samples. The degree of disintegration was determined after soil burial. The results showed that the mechanical properties, especially formability, as well as gloss and color, changed significantly after accelerated aging. All tested matrices are degradable, as shown by soil burial tests. Testing the stability of the functional properties of biodegradable plastics, which are assessed by end users, is important for the wider use of these plastics.