Degradation study of polypropylene (PP) and bioriented polypropylene (BOPP) in the environment

Abstract

Polymers are vastly employed for numerous purposes in different industrial segments and generate soaring quantities of discarding in the environment. This research analyzed the degradability/biodegradability of polypropylene films (PP) and Bioriented polypropylene (BOPP) polymers after 11 months interred in the São Giácomo landfill in Caxias do Sul. Comparing the buried PP film to a sample of virgin PP, two peaks of degrading activity appeared at the TG curve as well as structure modification typified by occurrence of new absorption bands at FTIR, which can be credited to changes in crystallinity. Thermal analysis carried out on the buried PP and BOPP showed decreases in the percentage of crystallinity due to chain scission. The major reduction was observed in the PP, since its crystallinity is a consequence of polymerization instead of chain orientation processes, as in BOPP. Cracks and erosion of the polymer surface were detected in both PP and BOPP, indicating degrading processes by microorganisms.

Some Structural Properties of Dynamically Drawn iPP Fibers

“…The mechanical orientation factors ( ) ( ) 2 cos P θ and ( ) ( ) 4 cos P θ are only mechanically dependent as shown in Equations (12,13). Figure 10 shows the variation of the calculated ( ) ( ) 2 cos P θ with the draw ratio and Figure 11 gives the variation of ( ) ( ) 4 cos P θ with the draw ratio.…”

“…The molecular orientation functions ( ) 2 cos P θ and ( ) 4 cos P θ provide some understanding of the mechanism of deformation.…”

“…In the advanced fields of technology and science, polymers with enhanced mechanical, optical, thermal, and environmental properties are needed [1]. Isotactic polypropylene polymer is a semi crystalline polymer [2]. Due to the balance in their properties and cost-effectiveness, iPP has averted overall commercial application [3].…”

Screening for Polypropylene Degradation Potential of Bacteria Isolated from Mangrove Ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia

“…it is used in many commercial applications such as packaging and labelling, and as a fibre, it is used in the production of indoor and out-door carpeting. As the use of the polymer, increases so does the amount of waste disposed into the environment [6].…”

Characterization of a Pearlescent Biaxially Oriented Multilayer Polypropylene Film

“…Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most preferred polymer in food packing, protective coating and printing applications with its high stiffness, high temperature resistance, good chemical resistance, lower moisture transmission rate and high mechanical stress properties [1][2][3][4]. The polypropylene film that is stretched in both machine direction (MD) and across machine (transverse) direction to improve mechanical properties is called biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).…”