DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTODEGRADABLE POLYTHENE FILMS FOR PLASTIC BAGS USING TITANIA NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

This study was focused on the use of metal doped Ti02 (titania) as an additive for the photocatalytic degradation of polythene (PE). Laboratory synthesis of pure and doped titania nanoparticles (NPs) through Calcination and Liquid Impregnation techniques was carried out. Commercially available polythene pellets were dissolved and 1 percent (by weight) pure or doped titania, was added to the solution. The liquid was then spread over the glass substrates to obtain thin films of PE around 4 cm radius. Comparative photo catalytic degradation of the prepared PE films was investigated with undoped Ti02 NPs and Fe, Ag, Fe/Ag mixed doped Ti02 NPs under three different conditions; Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, artificial light and no irradiation (dark). Photo catalytic degradation of the PE films was observed, over time, through Weight Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The films incorporating metal doped titania, and exposed to UV or visible light, showed up to 14 % degradation, whereas PE films placed in the dark did not exhibit any deterioration. These results are indicative of the potential use of doped titania nanoparticles for the development of environment friendly polythene bags which will be degradable, when exposed to sunlight.