Developing Biodegradable Agricultural Films by Combining Modified Natural Rubber With Gelatin

ABSTRACT Agricultural films are typically designed for single use. After they serve their purpose, these films are often left in the soil, causing significant environmental problems. This study focused on developing biodegradable films by blending a graft copolymer of natural rubber and poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (NR‐g‐PVBC) with gelatin (GT). A novel compatibilization strategy was introduced to link the hydrophobic graft copolymer with the hydrophilic GT. This connection was facilitated by using adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) as a coupling agent between the two distinct materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and temperature scanning stress relaxation analyses were conducted to provide evidence of the interaction between the two phases. Biodegradation was measured in biometer flasks at room temperature by monitoring CO 2 evolution. The film made from a 60/40 blend of NR‐g‐PVBC and GT (NR‐g‐PVBC/GT40) demonstrated 64.2% ± 2.1% biodegradation after 60 days. In contrast, the film without GT showed only 3.6% ± 0.8% degradation under the same condition. The colonization of soil microorganisms on the NR‐g‐PVBC/GT40 surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The NR‐g‐PVBC/GT films not only biodegraded under agricultural soil conditions, but they also exhibited heat‐sealability. This heat‐seal capability facilitated the processing and fabrication of practical agricultural products. In this project, seeding bags were created from NR‐g‐PVBC/GT40 using handheld heat sealers. As these bags decomposed naturally in the soil, they provided a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This innovation offered a viable solution that significantly reduced plastic waste in the agriculture industry.