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Evaluation of Biodegradation of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Using Hibiscus Mucilage as a Green Polymers

Ramkesto Kumar and Sanjay K Sharma

The durability and resistance to degradation of plastics have generated a disposal problem in the environment. In this study, biodegradability of low density polyethylene (LDPE) with Hibiscus mucilage was studied. Samples with different concentrations of Hibiscus mucilage (as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were prepared. Glycerol as a plasticizer and Fe2SO4 as a pro-oxidant are used. The effect of mucilage concentrations on the mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation), melt flow rate and density of the blended materials were studied. The biodegradation of the blends in soil was studied as a weight loss after two, four and six months. The results shown that with increase of mucilage content the biodegradability of the blends increased. The biodegradation of the samples in soil burial after six months revealed that the weight of the blends decreased with the increase of mucilage concentrations.