Improvement of processability of PCL and PBS blend by irradiation and its biodegradability

Abstract

Blends consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(butylene succinate) (30/70) are prepared in order to enhance the thermal stability of pure PCL. The processability of the blended samples is improved by γ-irradiation in the dose range between 10 and 50 kGy. This treatment allows the high-speed production of thin films and the blow-preparation of foams (see SEM image). The biodegradability of the blend is evaluated in several ways. Buried in soil, 97% of the material decompose within two months, while only 3.5% are lost on the surface, implying that microorganisms in the soil play a crucial part in the degradation.