LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) FILMS BLENDED WITH PECTIN AND GUAR GUM: PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND BIODEGRADABILITYKOMAL MAKHIJANI AND SANJAY K. SHARMAAbstract In this study, biodegradability of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with pectin and guar gum was studied. Samples with different concentrations of additives (as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) were prepared by physically mixing with LDPE using a two roll mill followed by compression molding. The effect of additive content on the mechanical properties of blends was analyzed using ASTM standards. Soil burial was used as a test method for 6 months and rate of biodegradation was \determined by weight loss, change in mechanical properties of the blends and changes in surface \morphology. SEM and FTIR analysis were also performed for further confirmation of results. Biodegradation of the samples revealed an increase in weight loss as the additive content increased and decrease in the mechanical properties as compared to virgin LDPE, which showed no such change. Among the two additives, guar gum results were more promising as compared to pectin.
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