Scientists from the Siberian State University of Science and Technology named after Academician M. F. Reshetnev (SibGAU) studied the durability of biodegradable plastics at high temperatures. The research will help create materials and products for medicine, agriculture, and eco-friendly packaging, according to the university's press service.
For the first time, university specialists conducted a comparative analysis of the resistance of polymers to the simultaneous effects of ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperature. The aim of the experiment was to determine how long the materials retain their properties under conditions close to real operation, which is important for replacing traditional plastics.
The work studied two promising polymers: polylactide (PLA/ПЛА) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT/ПБАТ). Aging was modeled on a special stand combining UV irradiation and heating to 30–40 °C. After testing, polylactide showed high sensitivity: cracks appeared on its surface after only 120 hours, and serious structural damage and flaking of fragments were observed by 240 hours. Its mechanical properties deteriorated rapidly.
In contrast to PLA, the PBAT copolymer demonstrated high stability. Its degradation was limited to slight yellowing of the surface, and no serious structural changes were observed. According to scientists, this confirms that polylactide is significantly more sensitive to UV radiation and temperature.