M. Yusuf, R.M. Siregar, E. Utama, R. Siregar
Currently, polystyrene (PS) has been widely used for household purposes such as disposable tableware and packaging. Its very wide use can cause environmental pollution because it is difficult to decompose. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential ability of the fungus Aspergillus niger to degrade PS/poli(?-caprolactone) (PCL) polyblend plastic film compared to pure PS. Meanwhile the biodegradation process is carried out for 28 days. In order for PS to be more easily degraded, it is necessary to blend it with easily degraded polymers such as PCL. The PCL used in this research is the result of ?-CL polymerization using a zirconium complex as a catalyst. The data from the biodegradation test showed that the addition of PCL to PS/PCL polyblend could increase the decomposition of polyblend plastic film compared to pure PS. © 2022 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.
Departement of Chemistry Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl. Willem Iskandar Pasar V Medan Estate, Medan, 20221, Indonesia
