Biodegradation of polyblend polystyrene plastic film with poly(ε-caprolactone) produced using bis(β-diketonato)zirconium(IV) catalyst complex in landfill soil media

Abstract

Household items such as disposable tableware, CD and DVD cases, meat trays, and packaging extensively utilize Polystyrene (PS). Due to their practicality, PS are often chosen for household purposes, especially as packaging. However, its widespread use contributes to environmental pollution because it is resistant to decomposition. To enhance the degradability of PS, it should be blended with easily degradable polymers in nature like poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). In this study, bis(β-diketonato)zirconium(IV) complex served as a catalyst to polymerize ε-CL and produce PCL. The aim of this research was to investigate the ability of landfill soil to degrade PS/PCL polyblend plastic film over a 60-day period. The results of the biodegradation test show that the PCL component in the PS/PCL polyblend plastic film influences the plastic film’s decomposition rate.