Analyzing the Biodegradation Susceptibility of Materials Based on Polylactic Acid

Today, an important feature of scientific research consists in environmentally safe and biodegradable polymeric materials. Polylactide (PLA) and compositions based on this polymeric compound are being active investigated in world science. One of the main issues that should be considered before using PLA consists in understanding the mechanisms of its biodegradation including mixtures based on this polymer. This work is aimed at studying the mixtures based on PLA with polycaprolactone (PCL) and natural rubber (NR) in the course of biodegradation. After incubation in soil, pure polycaprolactone demonstrates clearly visible structural defects and mycelium on the surface. It has been established that both polycaprolactone and natural rubber undergo biodegradation more rapidly than polylactide. Obtaining PLA/PCL and PLA/NR compositions makes it possible to enhance the effect of biodegradation. As a result of the study, a change in the thermophysical characteristics of the mixtures has been revealed, which indicates the onset of the destruction process.