Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ageing of plasticized poly(lactic acid)/poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) blend films under artificial UV irradiation and under real agricultural conditions during their application as mulches

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Chemical Papers Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper is aimed on the investigation of natural ageing of plasticized poly(lactic acid)/poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) PLA/PHB blend films during their one-season application as mulches under real field conditions in the western part of Slovakia. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) was used as the plasticizer. The analysis was performed on three differently exposed parts of the foil: i) buried in soil, ii) exposed to sunlight, and iii) shadowed by plants. In parallel, UV irradiation of the blend under laboratory controlled conditions (constant temperature of 30°C and relative humidity of 55 %) was carried out. The degradation effect was followed by changes in the molar mass, chemical and crystalline structures, as well as in thermal and mechanical properties. The ternary PLA/PHB/ATBC blend lost its tensile properties faster when buried in soil than when exposed to sunlight. This result is in agreement with the data obtained for the UV-irradiated materials. Young’s modulus values showed a significant mechanical degradation under the UV irradiation as well as during natural ageing. The study was also focused on the influence of mulches on the yield and quality of sweet pepper production, characterized by carotenoids and vitamin C content.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelwahab, M. A., Flynn, A., Chiou, B. S., Imam, S., Orts, W., & Chiellini, E. (2012). Thermal, mechanical and morphological characterization of plasticized PLA-PHB blends. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 97, 1822–1828. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.05.036.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alexy, P., Chodák, I., Bakoš, D., Bugaj, P., Pavlačková, M., Tomanová, K., Benovic, F., Plavec, R., Mihalík, M., & Botošová, M. (2012). Patent No. WO 2012/141660 A1. Geneva, Switzerland: World Intellectual Property Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armentano, I., Fortunati, E., Burgos, N., Dominici, F., Luzi, F., Fiori, S., Jiménez, A., Yoon, K., Ahn, J., Kang, S., & Kenny, J. M. (2015). Processing and characterization of plasticized PLA/PHB blends for biodegradable multiphase systems. Express Polymer Letters, 9, 583–596. DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.55.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Rayón, E., & Jiménez, A. (2014). Disintegrability under composting conditions of plasticized PLA-PHB blends. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 108, 307–318. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.01.034.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borská, K., Danko, M., & Mosnacek, J. (2014). Photodegradation and photochemical crosslinking of polylactide. Chemické Listy, 108, 1030–1039. (in Slovak)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chodak, I. (2002). Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Properties and modification for high volume applications. In G. Scott (Ed.), Degradable polymers (2nd ed., pp. 295–319). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-1217-0_9.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Chodak, I. (2008). Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Origin, properties and applications. In M. N. Belgacem, & A. Gandini (Eds.), Monomer, polymers and composites from renewable resources (pp. 451–477). Oxford, UK: Elsevier.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • de Koning, G. J. M., & Lemstra, P. J. (1993). Crystallization phenomena in bacterial poly[(#)-3-hydroxybutyratej: 2. Embrittlement and rejuvenation. Polymer, 34, 4089–4094. DOI: 10.1016/0032-3861(93)90671-v.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dilara, P. A., & Briassoulis, D. (1998). Standard testing methods for mechanical properties and degradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film used as greenhouse covering materials: a critical evaluation. Polymer Testing, 17, 549–585. DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9418(97)00074-3.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dong, H. G., Liu, T., Han, Z. Q., Sun, Q. M., & Li, R. (2015). Determining time limits of continuous film mulching and examining residual effects on cotton yield and soil properties. Journal of Environmental Biology, 36, 677–684.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorrasi, G., Milone, C., Piperopoulos, E., Lanza, M., & Sorrentino, A. (2013). Hybrid clay mineral-carbon nanotube-PLA nanocompostie films. Preparation and photodegradation effect on their mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Applied Clay Science, 71, 49–54. DOI: 10.1016/j.clay. 2012.11.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hegedüsová, A., Musilová, J., Jomová, K., Hegedüs, O., & Bystrická, J. (2007). Laboratórne experiment z organickej chémie a biochémie pre špecializaciu Chémia životného prostredia (pp. 103). Nitra, Slovakia: Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra. (in Slovak)

    Google Scholar 

  • Janigová, I., Lacik, I., & Chodák, I. (2002). Thermal degradation of plasticized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) investigated by DSC. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 77, 35–41. DOI: 10.1016/s0141-3910(02)00077-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, C., Moore-Kucera, J., Lee, J., Corbin, A., Brodhagen, M., Miles, C., & Inglis, D. (2014). Effects of biodegradable mulch on soil quality. Applied Soil Ecology, 79, 59–69. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2014.02.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lunt, J. (1998). Large-scale production, properites and commercial applicatinos of polylactic acid polymers. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 59, 145–152. DOI: 10.1016/s0141-3910(97)00148-1.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lyu, S. P., Schley, J., Loy, B., Lind, D., Hobot, C., Sparer, R., & Untereker, D. (2007). Kinetics and time-temperature equivalence of polymer degradation. Biomacromolecules, 8, 2301–2310. DOI: 10.1021/bm070313n.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, H., Mei, X. R., Yan, C. R., He, W. Q., & Li, K. (2008). The residue of mulching plastic film of cotton field in North China. Journal of Agro-Environment Science, 2008, 570–573.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, R. J. (2006). Biological degradation of synthetic polyesters—Enzymes as potential catalysts for polyester recycling. Process Biochemistry, 41, 2124–2128. DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2006.05.018.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Navarro, J. M., Flores, P., Garrido, C., & Martinez, V. (2006). Changes in the contents of antioxidant compounds in pepper fruits at different ripening stages, as affected by salinity. Food Chemistry, 96, 66–73. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.01.057.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira, L. M., Araújo, E. S., & Guedes, S. M. L. (2006). Gamma irradiation effects on poly(hydroxybutyrate). Polymer Degradation and Stability, 91, 2157–2162. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2006.01.008.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Poliáková, N., & Šimanský, V. (2015). Physical properties of urban soil in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, 18, 30–35. DOI: 10.15414/afz.2015.18.02.30–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sadi, R. K., Fechine, G. J. M., & Demarquette, N. R. (2010). Photodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95, 2318–2327. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.09.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scandola, M., Ceccorulli, G., & Pizzoli, M. (1989). The physical aging of bacterial poly(D-β-hydroxybutyrate). Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 10, 47–50. DOI: 10.1002/marc. 1989.030100201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shimao, M. (2001). Biodegradation of plastics. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 12, 242–247. DOI: 10.1016/s0958-1669(00)00206-8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stan, M., Soran, M. L., & Marutoiu, C. (2014). Extraction and HPLC determination of the ascorbic acid content of three indigenous spice plants. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 69, 998–1002. DOI: 10.1134/s106193481410013x.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Slovak Office of Standards, Metrology and Testing (1997). ISO standard: Plastics. Determination of tensile properties. Part 3: Test conditions for films and sheets. STN EN ISO 527-3. Bratislava, Slovakia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Šlosár, M., & Uher, A. (2013). Fertilization and phytochemicals in broccoli and cauliflower: Impact of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization to the content ofphytochemicals in broccoli and cauliflower (pp. 121). Saarbrücken, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Špitalský, Z., Lacík, I., Lathová, E., Janigová, I., & Chodák, I. (2006). Controlled degradation of polyhydroxybutyrate via alcoholysis with ethylene glycol or glycerol. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 91, 856–861. DOI: 10.1016/j. polymdegradstab. 2005.06.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tokiwa, Y., & Jarerat, A. (2004). Biodegradation of poly(L-lactide). Biotechnology Letters, 26, 771–777. DOI: 10.1023/b:bile.0000025927.31028.e3.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S. A., Ma, P. M., Wang, R. Y., Wang, S. F., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, Y. X. (2008). Mechanical, thermal and degradation properties of poly(d,Z-lactide)/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate)/poly(ethylene glycol)blend. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 93, 1364–1369. DOI: 10.1016/j. polymdegradstab.2008.03.026.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wei, L. Q., Liang, S. B., & McDonald, A. G. (2015). Thermophysical properties and biodegradation behavior of green composites made from polyhydroxybutyrate and potato peel waste fermentation residue. Industrial Crops and Products, 69, 91–103. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.02.011.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weng, Y. X., Wang, X. L., & Wang, Y. Z. (2011). Biodegradation behavior of PHAs with different chemical structures under controlled composting conditions. Polymer Testing, 30, 372–380. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2011.02.001.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 41 Bratislava, Slovakia

    Katarína Mosnáčková, Alena Šišková, Ivica Janigová, Jozef Kollár, Štefan Chmela, Ivan Chodák & Jaroslav Mosnáček

  2. Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, trieda A. Hlinku 2, 94 9 76, Nitra, Slovakia

    Miroslav Šlosár

  3. Department of Plastics and Rubber, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, 821 37, Bratislava, Slovakia

    Pavol Alexy & Ján Bočkaj

Authors
  1. Katarína Mosnáčková
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Alena Šišková
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ivica Janigová
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jozef Kollár
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Miroslav Šlosár
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Štefan Chmela
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Pavol Alexy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Ivan Chodák
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Ján Bočkaj
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Jaroslav Mosnáček
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katarína Mosnáčková.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mosnáčková, K., Šišková, A., Janigová, I. et al. Ageing of plasticized poly(lactic acid)/poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) blend films under artificial UV irradiation and under real agricultural conditions during their application as mulches. Chem. Pap. 70, 1268–1278 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1515/chempap-2016-0043

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/chempap-2016-0043

Keywords

Search

Navigation