Degradation and Stabilization of Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate)/Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biodegradable Mulch Films Under Different Aging Tests

The degradation and stability of biodegradable films determine the service length mulch in actual use. Most polymers degrade too fast to meet required durability films. objective this work is investigate behaviors poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) blend Several different types stabilizers were incorporated blends provide protection for PHA/PBAT during thermal processing aging on agricultural fields. process was systematically studied under an Accelerated test (AAT) a Soil (SAT). Adding UV stabilizer, or antioxidant led significant improvement retention mechanical properties both AAT SAT. Morphological evolution with without stabilizer as function times by Scanning electron microscopy. results crystallinity revealed damage crystalline structure AAT. Spectrocopic indicated that underwent hydrolysis photodegradative chain scissions (Norrish Type I/II reactions photo-oxidation). Two mechanisms PBAT/PHA proposed.