Optical characterization of polymeric films by a new methodological approach

A simple method for evaluating polymeric films to be employed in the agricultural field is proposed. The method consists of optical characterization (spectral analysis) and numerical elaboration of the experimental data on the basis of a theoretical model, in order to predict the optical behavior of organic materials, which determines the temperature variations inside a physical system. Results for new biodegradable materials for mulching and soil solarization are presented and compared with the traditional materials. Our work demonstrates the validity of the proposed methodological approach and confirms the potential of the considered materials for use in agriculture.