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Development of mulch films from biodegradable polymer and agro-industrial waste
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Biodegradable mulch films were developed from poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) incorporating soybean and peanut hull agro-industrial wastes as alternative to conventional plastic mulches. The agro-waste additives improved film hydrophobicity but increased water absorption values, with mechanical and thermal properties characterized across different formulations.
Plasticulture improves crop quality and yield through polymeric films, but their improper disposal harms the environment due to humidity and contamination. This study aimed to develop biodegradable mulch films using soybean and peanut hulls and poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The residues were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and mulch films were evaluated by water absorption, contact angle and mechanical properties. The thermal behavior of the residues indicated stability below 200ºC. The agro-waste improved hydrophobicity but increased the water absorption values of the films by up to 18.5x (PBAT/SH5 after 14 days). Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicated an important distribution of residue particles and formation of agglomerates, leading to lower mechanical performance. The study found that agro-industrial residues in powder form can be added to the polymeric matrix to produce biodegradable mulch films through traditional processing techniques. This approach has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable production system.
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Methodology development: evaluation of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends for biodegradable mulch
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Researchers developed a methodology for formulating and characterizing biodegradable PLA/PBAT mulch films as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch that contributes to microplastic pollution in agriculture. The proposed approach covers scalable formulation, processing, and comprehensive characterization aligned with regulatory guidelines and industry standards for biodegradable mulch performance.
Biodegradable Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/Poly(lactic) Acid Mulch Film with Soy Waste Filler for Improved Biodegradation and Plant Growth
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Researchers developed biodegradable mulch films from PBAT/PLA blended with 10% soy waste filler, finding that soy incorporation enhanced hydrolysis and mineralization during accelerated aging while improving mulch performance and plant growth outcomes in field trials.
Hydrothermal aging behavior of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) mulch: influence of the hydrolysis resistance based on the different filling materials
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Researchers tested how biodegradable PBAT agricultural mulch films degrade under heat and moisture over 28 days, finding that different fillers like thermoplastic starch and talc significantly affect how quickly the films break down. Faster-degrading mulch films could reduce the microplastic pollution that traditional agricultural plastics leave behind in soil.
Surface Alterations on Agro-Waste Filler and their Effect on the Properties of Biodegradable Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT)
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Researchers developed biodegradable composites by melt blending polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) with rice husk filler subjected to diverse surface modification treatments including alkaline treatment, to enhance mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability above 90%. The study assessed how surface alterations on the agro-waste filler affected the resulting composite material properties.
Evaluation of biodegradable mulch films as alternatives to plastic mulching in sustainable agriculture
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Researchers compared four biodegradable mulch film alternatives against conventional polyethylene in a 24-week field trial in Nigeria, finding that PLA/PBAT blend films matched polyethylene crop yield (14.8 vs 15.3 t/ha) while maintaining adequate soil moisture and breaking down post-season. The results suggest PLA/PBAT blends offer the best balance of agronomic performance and environmental sustainability for humid tropical farming systems.
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