Degradation efficiency, rate, and similarity to natural field-aged plastics of plastic mulch films exposed to four artificial methods

This dataset includes measurements of chemical and physical changes in both conventional and biodegradable mulch films subjected to different degradation treatments, alongside comparisons with field-weathered reference materials. The data was generated from a 20-week laboratory experiment designed to evaluate artificial degradation methods for plastic mulch films.
The dataset comprises observations from four artificial degradation methods-heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation (UVA and UVC at two intensities)-applied to plastic mulch films over a period of approximately five months. These treatments were assessed against field-aged samples exposed under natural conditions for six months, enabling comparison of degradation rate, efficiency, and similarity to environmental weathering.
Data were collected using a combination of laboratory analytical techniques and physical measurements. Chemical changes were characterised using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to derive carbonyl indices, as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Physical properties were assessed through measurements of film thickness and surface roughness. The dataset provides a structured comparison of degradation responses across different methods, polymer types, and analytical parameters.
Further details on experimental design, methodologies, and data processing are provided in the lineage field and the supporting documentation.