Physico‐chemical characterization and degradation analysis of mineral paper: Impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation

Abstract Mineral paper, a synthetic paper‐like material primarily composed of ground calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ) and a small amount of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), has emerged as an important alternative to traditional paper and board due to the increasing demand for pulp and paper and the shortage of trees and fibrous material in many regions worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation on three different types of mineral papers. The specimens underwent 1000 h of accelerated weathering using a Gardner weathering device and were also buried in soil at a depth of 5 cm for 3 months with regular watering conditions for biodegradability testing. Physico‐chemical characterizations such as optical (whiteness), surface (roughness, contact angle, and paper topography), and chemical properties of the samples were studied before and after the artificial weathering and biodegradation tests. The results revealed a visible color change (darkening) in mineral papers, with an increase in HDPE content leading to a darker color after weathering and biological degradation. However, there were no significant differences in the color change between weathering and soil‐burial tests. The biodegradability test resulted in a decrease in ash content due to the demineralization process. All samples' surface roughness was reduced after weathering and biodegradation tests. The FT‐IR and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of calcium, carbon, and oxygen elements in all three samples, indicating a large amount of calcium carbonate in the mineral papers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the creation of micro holes and cracks on the surface of the samples after weathering and biodegradation. Overall, the soil‐burial test showed more degradation than the weathering test. Highlights The influence of weathering and biodegradation of mineral papers were studied After soil‐burial test, the ash content decreased due to the demineralization After weathering, micro cracks were created on the surface of the samples The degradation of the soil‐burial test was more than the weathering test Mineral papers most likely contain carbonate calcium and HDPE