Abstract
Polymers were introduced in agriculture in the 1950s and, nowadays, mulching is one of major applications of plastics in this sector. In the last decades, difficulties in recovery of non-degradable plastic films have prompted the intense use of biodegradable mulch films. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop mulch films based on a biodegradable polymer (poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)), sugarcane and carnauba wax. Mulch films containing 2.5 and 5.0% of sugarcane residue, with and without 2% w/w carnauba wax were prepared by flat extrusion. To evaluate the performance of mulch films during application to the soil, they were maintained for 60 days under real conditions of use. During this period, the temperature and humidity of the soil protected by mulch were measured. In addition, the chemical, physical and morphological properties of the films, after weathering, were determined. Results show that the mulch films developed have promising properties. When larger moisture retention is needed, PBAT mulch films containing 2.5% and 5.0% sugarcane residue are the most indicated and, when higher temperatures are demanded, PBAT mulch films containing carnauba wax and 2.5% and 5.0% residue are the best option. After being exposed to high temperatures and moisture, the mulch films photo degraded and their transmittance was reduced. Besides, the sugarcane residue added to the polymer swelled, which led to breakage of the polymeric matrix.
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