Change in dynamic-mechanical properties of PLA film due to UV radiation
Topic(s) : Material science
Co-authors :
Miroslava PECHOČIAKOVÁ (CZECH REPUBLIC), Jan KABÁTAbstract :
The amount of waste is still growing, it is necessary to take into account especially materials that have a short life cycle, such as packaging materials. These are specific for their single use and almost zero recycling. They are used as energy "recovery" in incinerators. The production of disposable packaging materials is represented by about 90 % in the global production of packaging materials, the issue of ecology and recycling is often overlooked. If the issues of recycling these materials are not addressed, this is an ecological threat that is very difficult to resolve. With the more widespread use of biodegradable plastics, we can significantly slow down the fact of uncontrolled pollution by non-degradable plastics. Biodegradable materials have the ability to decompose into water, biomass and carbon dioxide. Due to their structure, properties and primary raw material during production, they are suitable for accelerated degradation with the help of natural agents, which can lead to the solution of many ecological issues.
This work points out the possibility of replacing single-use polymer materials from synthetic materials with materials that have sufficient recycling or spontaneous decomposition. On a global scale, the use of these materials could solve the issue of recycling single-use products made of synthetic polymers, which are a significant environmental threat.
The practical part of this work deals with the production of composite films with a PLA matrix and natural hydrophilic fillers (ground flax and hemp particles as hydroscopic filler of PLA and ATBC plasticizer). Furthermore, the degradation of produced composites due to illumination, imitating sunlight and the change of thermic and thermodynamic properties at different times of illumination are addressed. The effect of filler (flax and hemp particles) and plasticizer (ATBC) on the change in phase temperatures of the monitored composites was monitored, as well as their effect on the crystalline fraction. The crystalline fraction was monitored for a more accurate description of the change in thermal and mechanical properties of PLA composite films.
This work points out the possibility of replacing single-use polymer materials from synthetic materials with materials that have sufficient recycling or spontaneous decomposition. On a global scale, the use of these materials could solve the issue of recycling single-use products made of synthetic polymers, which are a significant environmental threat.
The practical part of this work deals with the production of composite films with a PLA matrix and natural hydrophilic fillers (ground flax and hemp particles as hydroscopic filler of PLA and ATBC plasticizer). Furthermore, the degradation of produced composites due to illumination, imitating sunlight and the change of thermic and thermodynamic properties at different times of illumination are addressed. The effect of filler (flax and hemp particles) and plasticizer (ATBC) on the change in phase temperatures of the monitored composites was monitored, as well as their effect on the crystalline fraction. The crystalline fraction was monitored for a more accurate description of the change in thermal and mechanical properties of PLA composite films.