Scientists at the Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology (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, the university's press service reported.
For the first time, the university's specialists conducted a comparative analysis of polymer resistance to the simultaneous effects of ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperature. The goal of the experiment was to determine how long the materials retain their properties under conditions close to real-world use, which is important for replacing traditional plastics.
The study examined two promising polymers: polylactide (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Aging was modeled on a special test bench combining UV irradiation and heating to 30–40 °C. After testing, polylactide showed high sensitivity: cracks appeared on its surface after just 120 hours, and by 240 hours serious structural damage and delamination of fragments were observed. Its mechanical properties deteriorated rapidly.
Unlike 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 the scientists, this confirms that polylactide is significantly more sensitive to UV radiation and temperature.