Publication: Biodegradability and properties of reclaimed microplastic blends
| datacite.subject.fos | oecd::Engineering and technology::Materials engineering::Materials engineering | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ammar Syafiq Bin Shariff | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-05-23T01:36:10Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-05-23T01:36:10Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-08-01 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the biodegradability and properties of reclaimed microplastic blends, focusing on blending microplastic polypropylene (PP) with polylactic acid (PLA) in different formulations. The main objectives were to evaluate their mechanical and thermal properties and assess their biodegradability through seawater immersion and soil burial tests. Characterization was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirming the presence and morphology of PP and PLA in the blends. Tensile testing revealed that the PP/PLA 90/10 blend exhibited the highest tensile strength retention after water immersion. Thermal analysis through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) highlighted the influence of PLA content on the blends' thermal stability and degradation behavior. Biodegradability assessment showed increasing conductivity and salinity values in seawater immersion tests and weight loss in soil burial tests, confirming biodegradation. These findings demonstrate that blending microplastic PP with PLA enhances both mechanical properties and biodegradability, supporting their potential use in applications requiring these attributes. Future research should explore a broader range of blend formulations, additional biodegradable polymers, and the effects of various additives. Long-term biodegradation studies in diverse environmental conditions and advanced characterization techniques are also recommended. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://erepo.usm.my/handle/123456789/21809 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Biodegradability and properties of reclaimed microplastic blends | |
| dc.type | Resource Types::text::report::research report | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | Universiti Sains Malaysia |