Degradable plastics and its useful lifetime

In this work, polyethylene bag films used for disposable purposes were exposed to severe weather conditions of Saudi Arabia. The changes in the characteristics and properties of film samples were monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical properties determination. It can be concluded from above discussion that the use of degradable plastic in severe weather condition can cause problems in terms of degradation of polymer while still serving its purpose. As shown in this work, photosensitive impurities (carbonyls) imbedded in polymer during manufacture, processing transportation and/or storage can impart degradable characteristics to the plastic product. Complete degradation of plastic product is considered when a product loses 50 percent of its mechanical properties. Considering this criterion, it is found in this work that in one of the sites, disposal plastic product was degraded in less than a month. However, drop in mechanical property indicates the end of useful lifetime of a plastic product but the aesthetic problem and complete disappearance of the plastic product is still a matter of concern. It can, therefore, be concluded that a photo, bio-degradable plastic product will provide an ideal solution for a tropical region. In this case photodegradation will be achieved by the heavy dozes of UV radiation, increased temperature, and impurities present in polymer. Later, presence of starch-based sensitizers for biodegradation will help in complete disappearance of plastic product.