Biodegradation Study of LDPE/PCL Polyblend Plastic Film by Using the Fungus Aspergillus Niger

Abstract

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is a polymer material that is difficult to degrade in nature and causes waste to accumulate so that it can damage the environment. To overcome this, it is necessary to blend LDPE with poly(?- caprolactone) (PCL), which is easily degraded. The PCL used in this research was obtained from ROP ?-CL using a bis(dibzm)2Zr catalyst. Meanwhile, the composition ratio of LDPE and PCL polyblend used is 10/4 (%w/w). Furthermore, the resulting LDPE/PCL polyblend plastic film was tested for biodegradation by using the fungus Aspergillus niger for 28 days. Aspergillus niger is a type of fungus that is able to decompose plastic waste. In general, the results of the biodegradation test showed that LDPE/PCL polyblend plastic films were more easily degraded compared to pure LDPE.