Biodegradation in Landfilled of Biodegradable Micro-braided Yarn

Biodegradable polymer yarns of polymer blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) reinforced with natural fiber were prepared by a micro braiding technique. The biodegradation of the micro-braid yarn was studied by field tests. The yarn are prepared from polymer blends of PLA:PBSA with ratios of 100:0, 90:10, and 85:15 (wt%) by a single screw extruder. Braided samples were prepared using jute as a braided core fiber. The mechanical property analysis showed tensile strength of polymer yarn with jute fiber higher than polymer yarn without jute. Biodegradation of micro-braiding yarn with and without jute fiber was studied by buried under controlled conditions compared with cellulose. The field biodegradation test was carried out for 28 days with period of 7 days sampling. It was found that humidity and soil temperature affected the biodegradability of polymers. Analysis of samples confirmed that buried at low temperature position showed higher degradation than at high temperature. High humidity enhanced the degradability due to hydrolysis reaction. Micro-braided polymer yarns of PLA:PBSA (85:15) and PLA:PBSA (85:15)/jute showed similar biodegradability confirmed that the mechanism of biodegradation from surface of the yarn was priority.