Structure and Properties of Gas-Filled Biocomposites on the Basis of Polyethylene

Abstract

Gas-filled composite materials were obtained by foaming of low density polyethylene (PE) and introduction of natural components. Particulate chemical gas-generating agent hydrocerol was used for the polyethylene porosity. Particulate biodegradable filler, wood flour, and corn starch were used as the natural components. Investigation of structure, physical, and physicomechanical properties of the materials was performed. It is shown that the polyethylene structure became inhomogeneous: pores and foreign inclusions were observed. The density and physicomechanical properties decreased. It is noted that such peculiarities of the material as low density and the presence of pores and particles of the hydroscopic filler increase the capacity for biodegradation. Evaluation of the capacity of the material to degrade in the environment was conducted. Results of the evaluation demonstrate the weight loss of the samples with the biodegradable filler, which may be explained by the destructive effect of microorganisms, partial washing of the filler, and fragmentation of the sample. The samples of the gas-filled composite materials, with reduced performance properties but retained at a sufficient level, proved the promising outlook for their application as packaging materials and sealing packaging elements for the nonfood goods.