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Synthesis of a new biocomposite for fertiliser coating: assessment of biodegradability and thermal stability
Summary
Researchers created a new biodegradable composite material combining cellulose nanoparticles, natural rubber, and polylactic acid, finding it would fully break down in soil within about 3,000 hours while being more heat-resistant than standard polylactic acid alone. This type of biodegradable material could replace conventional plastic coatings in agriculture, helping reduce the microplastic pollution caused by plastic mulches and fertilizer coatings.
The bio- and thermal degradation as well as the water absorption properties of a novel biocomposite comprising cellulose nanoparticles, natural rubber and polylactic acid have been investigated. The biodegradation process was studied through an assembled condition based on the soil collected from the central Malaysian palm oil forests located in the University of Nottingham Malaysia. The effects of the presence of the cellulose nanoparticles and natural rubber on the biodegradation of polylactic acid were investigated. The biodegradation process was studied via thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was understood that the reinforcement of polylactic acid with cellulose nanoparticles and natural rubber increases the thermal stability by ~ 20 °C. Limited amorphous regions on the surface of the cellulose nanoparticles accelerated the biodegradation and water absorption processes. Based on the obtained results, it is predicted that complete biodegradation of the synthesised biocomposites can take place in 3062 h, highlighting promising agricultural applications for this biocomposite.