Effect of starch on rate of biodegradation of PVOH film

Researchers of the Malaysian Rubber Board studied the effect of starch loading on PVOH film on soil biodegradation and water absorption behaviour. The rate of biodegradation increased significantly as the starch content was increased to 50%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that starch promotes the biodegradation of PVOH. Gel permeation chromatography indicated a molecular weight decreased for the PVOH after soil exposure and confirmed that biodegradation was enhanced by the starch content. Results also demonstrated that the biodegradation rate also was affected by soil moisture. An article about the research is published in the Journal of Applied Science and Agriculture.
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