Biodegradation Studies on Polyethylene Developed through Phase Transfer Catalysed Graft Copolymerisation and Related Polymers

Abstract

In an attempt to attempt to modify polyethylene(PE) with a view to impart biodegradability, graft copolymerisation of vinyl monomers (AAm & AAc0 onto PE through phase transfer catalysis has been studied. The % of grafting of AAm & AAc onto PE was found to be dependent of BOP cone, monoer cone, time, temperature & concentration of phase transfer caatalyst. Biodegradation of samples of PE-g-poly(AAm) & PE-g-poly (AAc) prepared by different methods of grafting such as chemical, UV, gamma-radiation induced & by PTC methods showed beeter results of biodegradation as compared to other.