Synergistic Effects of Plasma Treatment and Prooxidants on PE/PCL Blend Biodegradation

Abstract

The chemical structure of low‐density polyethylene (PE), which is responsible for its incompatibility and durability, has a significant impact on the degradation process. The present study examined the effects of combining plasma treatment technology with the addition of a prooxidant (designated hereafter as Ox) into a PE matrix on the hydrophilicity and degradation of resulting blends. The films of the PE/poly( ε ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and Ox‐PE/PCL blends and their homopolymers were subjected to radiofrequency plasma (RFP) treatment. Subsequently, the resulting samples were subjected to a compost test at 58 ° C ± 2 ° C for a period of 24 months. Contact angle measurements, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to evaluate the surface properties of the samples both before and after plasma treatment. Moreover, the biodegradation of all samples was assessed through weight loss and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings substantiate that surface treatment with RFP markedly diminished the contact angle with water, thereby transforming hydrophobic surfaces into hydrophilic surfaces. Following exposure to RFP and subsequent storage in air for 60 days, the samples exhibited a markedly increased hydrophilic nature. Among the various films, the Ox‐PE75/PCL25 blend demonstrated the most pronounced reduction in weight loss, which underscores the synergistic impact of oxidation and surface treatment on the samples.