Characterization by FTIR spectroscopy of degradation of polyethylene films exposed to CO2 laser radiation and domestic composting

Abstract Polyethylene (PE) is a non-biodegradable polymer and accumulate easily on environment due its high molecular weight. In order to reduce this problem low-density (LDPE), high-density (HDPE) and biodegradable (BIO-PE) polyethylene films were exposed to CO2 laser radiation at different fluences and to domestic composting, the effects of CO2 laser radiation and domestic composting were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. LDPE, HDPE and BIO-PE exposed to CO2 laser radiation underwent thermodegradation reactions causing changes in LDPE, HDPE and BIO-PE chemical and physical properties due to chain scission. LDPE, HDPE and BIO-PE biodegradation reactions leading to the formation of carbonyl (C=O), vinyl (CH2=CH) and hydroxyl (OH) groups.