Development of Development of Biodegradable Polymer Biodegradable Polymer

Blends Using Pectin and Low Blends Using Pectin and Low Density Polyethylene Density Polyethylene

Sitinamaluwa H. S. Somasiri G. W. D.Samarasekara A.M.P.B.

April 8, 2023

Polyethylene Waste ProblemPolyethylene Waste Problem

Polyethylene Waste ReductionPolyethylene Waste Reduction

• Reduce consumption• Reuse• Incineration • Recycling• Substitute polymers with degradable

materials• Invention of biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable PolymersBiodegradable Polymers

Natural Polymers• Cellulose, Starch, Chitin, Chitosan, Proteins,

Pectin

Natural Polymers Partially + Biodegradable Synthetic Polymers Polymer Blend

Focus of StudyFocus of StudyStudying the ability of extracting pectin from an

industrial waste.

Finding out the ability of pectin to enhance biodegradability of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) blends.

Investigating how incorporation of pectin is affected on mechanical properties of LDPE/Pectin blends.

PectinPectin

Pectin substances are complex mixtures of polysaccharides.

Availability of PectinAvailability of PectinAgricultural Product Pectin Yield(%)

Papaya 1.00

Banana 0.62

Guava 0.99

Mango 0.38

Pineapple 0.13

Passion Fruit 0.05

Passion fruit rind 2.1-3.00

Pectin Yield = 20% of the rind weightPectin Yield = 20% of the rind weight

Filtering Cooling 4oC

Pectin ExtractionPectin Extraction

FTIR Analysis of Extracted PectinFTIR Analysis of Extracted Pectin

Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)

Used in determining the thermal behavior and composition of naturally occurring and manufactured products.

Physical and chemical changes in polymeric materials with increasing temperature can be determined.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

The mass of a sample in a controlled atmosphere is recorded continuously as a function of temperature.

Provide information about decomposition mechanisms of various polymer materials.

DTA and TGA of Pure PectinDTA and TGA of Pure Pectin

DTA and TGA of Pure LDPEDTA and TGA of Pure LDPE

DTA and TGA of LDPE- Pectin DTA and TGA of LDPE- Pectin Polymer BlendPolymer Blend

DTA and TGA resultsDTA and TGA results

Polymer blend was a physical mixture of Pectin and LDPE.

The blend should be processed at a temperature between 120oC – 200oC to ensure the complete melting of the blend and also to ensure that the blend is not decomposed.

Preparation of Polymer BlendPreparation of Polymer Blend

Mixing various proportion of Pectin 1% 2% 3% 4% 5%10%15%

Sample PreparationSample Preparation

Laboratory Scale Internal Mixer Hydraulic Press

Evaluation of BiodegradabilityEvaluation of BiodegradabilityDegradation is a result of the activities of various

biological populations.

A special soil bed was prepared to gain an environment which is equivalent to the actual degrading environment.

Biodegradability was evaluated as the variation of physical properties as a function of time under soil.

Soil Burial TestSoil Burial Test

Soil Bed Preparation◦Soil bed was prepared using a soil and compost

mixture. ◦It was prepared according to BS 4618-1974

standard.

Testing◦Tensile strength, water absorption and weight

loss after soil burial test was measured.

Weight Loss After Soil Burial TestWeight Loss After Soil Burial Test

Tensile TestTensile Test

Tensile strength is a very important property to be considered when selecting a polymer for an application.

Tensile test was carried out according to ASTM D638(2008) standards.

Tensile StrengthTensile Strength

Water Absorption TestWater Absorption Test

Water absorption is an indirect measure of biodegradability.

Water absorption test was conducted according to ASTM D 570 – 98 Standards.

Water Absorption After Soil Burial Water Absorption After Soil Burial TestTest

ConclusionsConclusions

It is possible to obtain a Pectin yield of 20% of the dry weight of passion fruit rind.

Strength of LDPE/Pectin blends lies between 8 – 11 N/mm2. Therefore the tensile strength of the blends lies in an acceptable range.

ConclusionsConclusions

Incorporation of Pectin has enhanced biodegradability of LDPE blends.

Polymer blend is a physical mixture of Pectin and LDPE.

It is possible to obtain a polymer blend with enhanced biodegradability by mixing Pectin and LDPE.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU