Publications by authors named "Ashutosh Kr Chaudhary"
In the present work, the potential of Cephalosporium strain in degrading the pre-treated (ultraviolet irradiation followed by nitric acid treatment) low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene films was investigated. Our observations revealed a significant weight reduction of 24.53 ± 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPetroleum-based polymers are not susceptible to microorganisms because of its high molecular weight. Acid treatments convert the polymers into a more oxidized form having low molecular weight. The present in-vitro degradation study focuses on the potential of Cephalosporium species to degrade acid-treated polystyrene (PS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * After treatments, changes such as the formation of new chemical groups in the LDPE were observed, which might make it easier for the fungus to degrade the plastic.
- * Results showed a significant weight loss of pre-treated LDPE after one month with the fungus, along with changes in thermal stability and surface structure, indicating that Thermomyces lanuginosus can effectively help decompose pre-treated LDPE in a lab setting.
Article Synopsis
- - The study examines how Cephalosporium strain NCIM 1251 can break down polystyrene films that have been pre-treated with UV light, which adds oxygen molecules and alters their chemical structure.
- - Results showed a weight loss of about 20.62% in the UV-treated polystyrene after 8 weeks, with changes in pH and total dissolved solids linked to the biodegradation process.
- - Analysis techniques like FTIR, TGA, and SEM indicated that while UV treatment improved the thermal stability of pure polystyrene, its stability decreased after being incubated with the fungus, showcasing notable changes in its structure.