Field performance on lettuce crops of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid as alternative biodegradable composites mulching films

Autor(es)

de Souza, Alana G. ^[1] ; Ferreira, Rafaela R. ^[1] ; Harada, Julio ^[1] ; Rosa, Derval S. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed ABC UFABC, Ctr Engn Modelagem & Ciencias Sociais Aplicadas, CECS, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Journal of Applied Polymer Science; v. 138, n. 11 MAR 15 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

This work developed biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) composites with different fillers to improve their physicochemical properties and biodegradability. The films were tested considering mechanical, morphological, thermal, crystalline, biodegradability, and ecotoxicity tests. Mechanical and morphological results indicated that the fillers' nature influences mechanical performance; all composites showed high-tensile strength (similar to 30 MPa) than the pristine films (similar to 12 MPa). The use of both fillers resulted in an interface, improving the matrix compatibility, reflecting in good thermal performance, low-water absorption, and high hydrophobicity. The WA (water absorption) and hydrophobicity are essential to maintain the crop's moisture since the water lost through plant transpiration will be condensed and returned to the soil. Films showed biodegradability and absence of toxicity, which allows the substitution of polyethylene commodity films as mulching films. Biodegradation and ecotoxicity tests indicate that the developed films are beneficial for lettuce crops and contribute to the development of seedlings. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 18/11277-7 - Filmes de PBAT com nanoestruturas de celulose tratadas com óleos essenciais encapsulados para embalagens ativas
• Beneficiário: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular