RESUMEN
This paper aimed to reveal the degradation behavior of a new type of biodegradable containers. The biodegradable containers, which was made of modified soybean adhesive and straw, was processed in situ biodegradation under natural condition. The physicochemical property and microstructure of straw nursery containers treated and untreated were characterized with Cellulose Tester, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope - Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermo-gravimetry Analysis (TGA), respectively. The results indicated that the content of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of treated specimen decreased to 21.43%, 21.41% and 9.54% from 29.03%, 30.44% and 12.52%, respectively, comparing with those of untreated straw nursery container. FTIR analysis revealed that the ester and fat bond have been ruptured, and the aromatic characteristic peak became weakened. SEM-EDS spectrum showed the microfibril chain in the container has been fragmentation, and the soybean adhesive was also degradation. The surface of container appeared oxidization degradation. TGA analysis showed that a large number of small molecules have been produced in the process of degradation and the thermo-stability of treated samples improved.
