Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506- 900, Brazil
Lusiane Malafatti Picca is affiliated to São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. She is a recipient of many awards and grants for her valuable contributions and discoveries in major area of subject research. Her international experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. Her research interests reflect in her wide range of publications in various national and international journals.
Original Research Article
Benefits of Disposing Polyhydroxybutyrate-Co-Hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) Blends in Soil, as Alternative for Low Density Polyethylene
Author(s): Elaine Cristina Bucioli*, Adriano Uemura Faria, Sandra Mara Martins-Franchetti, Lusiane Malafatti Picca and Derlene Attili-Angelis
The use of synthetic plastics generates environmental impacts due to their low biodegradability and inadequate disposal. One of the alternatives to minimize this problem is the use of biodegradable polymers and/or the production of blends with desired industrial and eco-friendly characteristics. The biodegradation of PHBV (Poly (Hydroxybutyrate-co-Hydroxyvalerate)), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and LDPE / PHBV (70/30) blends in soil column was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and mass loss. Through SEM it was possible to observe micro morphological changes on the surface of the PHBV and the blends, in accordance with the mass loss variation. PHBV samples showed a reduction of 43.9 % and the blend had a reduction of 15.7 %, during their biodegradation process. FTIR analysis revealed that the crystallinity of the polymeric materia.. View more»