Degradable polyethylene/rice bran film: Effect of gylcerol

Abstract

In this study, a degradable film based on polyethylene (PE) and Rice bran (RB) as filler were developed. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and rice bran (0 - 5 %) were prepared by using twin screw extruder and blown film machine. The effect of 3 phr of glycerol as plasticizer on the biodegradability, tensile properties and morphological properties of LDPE/RB films was evaluated. Increase in rice bran contents had an adverse effect on the tensile strength of LDPE/rice bran films. Incorporation of a glycerol as plasticizer had increased the tensile strength of LDPE/RB films. The addition of glycerol into the films enhanced the distribution and dispersion phase and thus, improved the tensile properties of the films. The SEM micrographs showed that the presence of glycerol in LDPE/RB films improved distribution and dispersion phase and the particle rice bran became smaller in LDPE matrix. The addition of rice bran in LDPE/RB films had increased their biodegradability due to microorganism soil attacks.