Natural weather ageing of the low-density polyethylene: Effect of polystarch N

Ruhul M. Amin, P. A. Sreekumar, Mamdouh A. Al-Harthi, S. K. De, Basel F. Abu-Sharkh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with Polystarch N were prepared by extrusion. Tensile properties, thermal behavior, and natural weathering of these blends were investigated as a function of blend composition. The addition of Polystarch N to the matrix decreased the tensile properties and the degree of crystallinity of LDPE when the proportion of Polystarch N increased in the blend, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetric studies. Scanning electron microscope analysis of the blends retrieved after being exposed to natural weathering showed that natural degradation increased with increase in the amount of Polystarch N in the LDPE and is ascribed to higher extent of chain scission as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1122-1127
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume127
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jan 2013

Keywords

  • ageing
  • blends
  • degradation
  • mechanical properties
  • polyethylene

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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