A research team at Basrah University, consisting of the instructor at the Polymer Research Center, Dr. Zainab Jumaa Sweih, and the faculty members at the College of Science, Dr. Tahseen Ali Al-Saki and Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, published a scientific research entitled (Effect of maleated polyethylene wax on mechanical and Rheological properties of LDPE/Starch Blends) in the Tropical Journal of Natural Products Research (TJNPR) issued by the University of (Benin) in Nigeria.
The research published in the journal classified within Scopus containers, aims to verify the compatibility of low-density polyethylene and plasticized starch mix using hardened polyethylene wax.
The research included the study of blending polyethylene with biodegradable polymers such as starch to enhance the biodegradation rate in the polyethylene film.
The results of the study showed the possibility of using the mixtures used as agricultural sawdust or a variety of applications when packing or packaging products.