Effect of Cellulosic Waste Derived Filler on the Biodegradation and Thermal Properties of HDPE and PLA Composites

Composites with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(lactic) acid (PLA) matrix have been tested to analyze the effect of natural fillers (wood flour, recycled wastepaper and a mix of both fillers) and temperature on polymer degradation. Composting tests have been performed in both mesophilic (35 degrees C) and thermophilic (58 degrees C) conditions. Degradation development has been evaluated through mass variation, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. HDPE, as expected, did not display any relevant variation, confirming its stability under our composting conditions. PLA is sensibly influenced by temperature and humidity, with higher reduction of M-w when composting is performed at 58 degrees C. Natural fillers seem to influence degradation process of composites, already at 35 degrees C. In fact, degradation of fillers at 35 degrees C allows a mass reduction during composting of composites, while neat PLA do not display any variation.