PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE PAPER COATED WITH BLENDS BASED ON PHA

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are intracellular biopolymers entirely biodegradable, synthesized by a wide range of bacteria as a carbon and energy reserve.
They are good candidates for polymeric blends which are suitable to prepare mulching films, pots, disposable shoppers etc.
As a part of an ongoing project on the use of waste vegetable oils we have prepared and tested several kinds of paper sheets coated with different blends based on PHA and other biodegradable polyesters.
In thermo-mechanical characterization tests, coated samples, wet and dry, showed an improvement in tensile stress and tearing compared to not coated samples.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a partial holes occlusion that improve waterproof features.
In greenhouse biodegradation tests, papers coated with a blend based on PHA buried in soil irrigated showed holes at the surface which proceeded to the inner part of the film.
Paper coated pots were shown to be suitable for growing seedlings up to four months, whereas control paper bags showed bottom cracks within one month.
When coated papers pots were transplanted in soil a full biodegradation was observed within two months.

International Symposium on High Technology for Greenhouse System Management: Greensys2007

F. Salemi, G. Lamagna, V. Coco, L.G. Barone

Polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHA, mulch

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.801.18