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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Methodology development: evaluation of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends for biodegradable mulch
ClearBiodegradable Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/Poly(lactic) Acid Mulch Film with Soy Waste Filler for Improved Biodegradation and Plant Growth
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.
Quantitative methodology for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) microplastic detection in soil and compost
Researchers developed a quantitative methodology for detecting poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) microplastics in soil and compost matrices, addressing the need to monitor biodegradable mulch film fragmentation and mineralization in agricultural environments. The method enabled accurate measurement of PBAT microplastic concentrations across environmentally relevant matrices, providing a tool to assess the fate of biodegradable plastics in agroecosystems.
Development of mulch films from biodegradable polymer and agro-industrial waste
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.
On the quest for novel bio-degradable plastics for agricultural field mulching
This review examined the challenge of developing biodegradable plastic mulch materials suitable for agricultural use, noting that plasticulture consumes about 6.7 million tons of plastic annually, most of which cannot be practically recycled. The authors assessed candidate biodegradable polymers based on their degradation rates in soil, mechanical performance, and cost.
Design of a Completely Eco-friendly Mulch Foil for Agricultural Production
This paper reviewed the development of eco-friendly mulch films for agriculture, examining biopolymer and composite alternatives to the 2.5 million tons of polyethylene mulch film used annually, with a focus on materials that degrade in soil without leaving persistent microplastic residues.
Sorption Behavior of Polylactic Acid/Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephtalate) Mulching Film Toward Active Substances
Researchers examined the sorption behavior of biodegradable polylactic acid/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) mulching films toward agricultural active substances, comparing them to conventional low-density polyethylene films. The study assessed how these bio-based mulch materials interact with pesticides and other chemicals, with implications for soil contamination and microplastic alternatives in agriculture.
Investigating the Degradation of Biodegradable Mulch Films in Agricultural Soil: A Molecular Approach
Researchers investigated the field degradation of biodegradable mulch films composed of starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) over 16 months under Mediterranean climate conditions, using molecular methods to characterize how pristine and UV-aged films break down in agricultural soil.
Fabrication of Lignin/Pbat Biodegradable Plastics Films via Reactive Extrusion and Their Thermal, Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties
Researchers developed biodegradable films made from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and lignin as a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene packaging films. Replacing fossil-fuel-based plastic films with biodegradable alternatives could reduce the microplastic pollution that results from conventional plastic film degradation in the environment.
Field test on the biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) based mulch films in soil
Researchers buried four types of supposedly biodegradable plastic mulch films — used in farming to suppress weeds — in agricultural soil for over two years and found that all four still left behind microplastic fragments. This shows that even biodegradable plastics can accumulate in soil if used repeatedly each growing season.
It is still too early to promote biodegradable mulch film on a large scale: A bibliometric analysis
Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies on biodegradable mulch film as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in agriculture. The study found that despite growing research interest, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding biodegradation rates in real field conditions and potential ecotoxicity of degradation byproducts. The analysis suggests it is premature to promote large-scale adoption of biodegradable mulch film without further evidence of its environmental safety.
Production and characterisation of environmentally relevant microplastic test materials derived from agricultural plastics
Researchers produced large batches of microplastic test materials from agricultural mulching films, including both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable starch-based films. They thoroughly characterized the physical and chemical properties of both the original films and the resulting microplastic particles, including screening for chemical additives. The study provides much-needed standardized reference materials for scientists studying how agricultural microplastics behave in and affect soil environments.
Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
Researchers developed a lab-scale multi-step mechanical procedure to produce environmentally representative microplastics and nanoplastics from commercial agricultural plastic mulch films -- including polybutylene succinate adipate and polyethylene mulch -- enabling more ecologically relevant ecotoxicity and fate studies compared to idealized polystyrene microspheres.
Deep insights into biodegradability mechanism and growth cycle adaptability of polylactic acid/hyperbranched cellulose nanocrystal composite mulch
Researchers developed biodegradable polylactic acid mulch films reinforced with hyperbranched cellulose nanocrystals, demonstrating tunable degradation rates under soil burial, seawater, and UV aging conditions alongside enhanced mechanical strength and crop yield — offering a viable petroleum-free alternative to conventional agricultural plastic mulch.
Biodegradation of Polylactic Acid/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephtalate) Mulching Film Under Weathering Conditions
Researchers analyzed the degradation processes of a commercial polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate biodegradable mulching film under outdoor weathering conditions in the South Italy Adriatic zone to assess fragmentation risks before plastic debris could reach marine environments. The study examined how weathering alters the film's physical and chemical properties and generated microplastic fragments, contributing data on the marine pollution risks of biodegradable agricultural films.
A Comparative Plant Growth Study of a Sprayable, Degradable Polyester–Urethane–Urea Mulch and Two Commercial Plastic Mulches
Researchers compared a new biodegradable sprayable mulch film with conventional polyethylene mulches in a greenhouse tomato growing trial. They found that the biodegradable polyester-urethane-urea film provided similar water savings and crop yields as traditional plastic mulches while avoiding the environmental drawbacks of persistent plastic residues. The study suggests that sprayable biodegradable mulches could be a viable alternative to reduce microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Revalorization of Yerba Mate Residues: Biopolymers-Based Films of Dual Wettability as Potential Mulching Materials
This is not about microplastics — it is a materials science study developing biodegradable mulching films from Yerba Mate agricultural residues, cellulose nanofibers, chitosan, and polylactic acid, aimed at replacing conventional plastic mulch films with a compostable alternative.
A new tool to screen biodegradable polymers as technically and commercially viable fertiliser coatings
Researchers developed a screening tool to evaluate biodegradable polymers against technical and commercial viability criteria, enabling manufacturers and regulators to assess whether proposed biodegradable materials will genuinely perform as advertised in real-world disposal environments.
Assessing ecotoxicity of an innovative bio-based mulch film: a multi-environmental and multi-bioassay approach
Researchers assessed the environmental safety of an innovative bio-based mulch film made from polylactic acid using multiple testing approaches across different environments including soil, freshwater, and marine settings. They found that while the material showed good biodegradability, some degradation products caused mild toxic effects on certain test organisms. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive environmental testing before assuming that bio-based plastics are entirely safe alternatives to conventional agricultural plastics.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
Biodegradable Mulch for Vegetable Production. A Review
This review examined biodegradable plastic mulches as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch films in vegetable production, summarizing yield benefits and degradation performance. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with truly biodegradable alternatives could reduce the large amounts of agricultural microplastics shed by mulch film fragmentation.