ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the degradation of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) using a variety of commercial photodegradants. This includes effects on chemical composition and molecular weight of the matrix polymer and its eventual biological assimilation. Biological assimilation testing was conducted using EPA 560-6-82-003 shaker flask test. The rate of oxidation as well as the time required to first observe oxidation (oxidation induction time) in the polymer was followed via FTIR spectroscopy. A brief study was undertaken to determine what effect, if any, oxidation has on the subsequent thermal stability of the polymer as measured by the oxidation stability temperature. The molecular weight of the polyethylenes containing the photodegradants was determined as a function of exposure time via size exclusion chromatography. The presence of the photodegradants leads to a rapid decrease in the molecular weight of the polyethylene matrix. This leads to a subsequent decrease in the mechanical properties of the polymer.
