Performance Evaluation of Photo and Biodegradation of Low Density Polyethylene Using Photodegradable Additive 4, 4’ Bis (Dimethylamino) Benzophenone (DMDAB) [Part – I]

The additive 4, 4’ Bis (Dimethylamino) Benzophenone (DMDAB) is used as a photodegradable additive, which is commercially available and reported as UV active. DMDAB was melt blended with LDPE at three different formulations 1, 3 & 5 (w/w) % respectively in twin screw extruder. After blending with LDPE the performance of photo and bio degradation was evaluated. The films were evaluated for their mechanical, thermal, infrared spectroscopic analysis, and morphological characteristics. The results show that DMDAB can be used, as an effective photodegradable additive. The photo degradation rate of the additive is very high at lower concentration of DMDAB additive and the biodegradation was also proving that some low molecular weight species was formed during photo degradation, which is responsible for the 16% biodegradation after 50 days.