Biodegradable blends of poly (ε-caprolactone) and low-density polyethylene compatibilized with poly (ethylene-co-acrylic acid)

In the present study, blends of low-density polyethylene, LDPE, and poly (e-caprolactone), PCL, using poly (ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (EAA) copolymer as a reactive compatibilizer, are studied. Uncompatibilized blends were also prepared for comparison purposes. The blends were characterized using mechanical, thermal, rheological properties and the morphology. The blends were also exposed to activated Lipase enzyme to determine the biodegradability. Morphological characteristics of compatibilized and uncompatibilized blends were examined by a scanning electron microscopy. The blends showed compatibilizing action of EAA and also good biodegradability.