The role of TPS in promoting the disintegration of LDPE/TPS blends to unravel the degradation mechanism of plastic films.

This study explores the role of thermoplastic starch (TPS) in accelerating the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a widely used single-use plastic that contributes significantly to environmental pollution. By blending TPS with LDPE, the research focuses on the abiotic degradation of these plastic films under simulated environmental conditions through photo-oxidation via accelerated weathering tests. Over a 10-week period-representing approximately nine months of natural exposure-the films were exposed to light, air, moisture, and heat.