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Changes in carbonyl index and average molecular weight on embrittlement of enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes

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Abstract

Weathering behavior of two types of enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes was studied using FTIR spectroscopy, tensile property changes, and gel-permeation chromatography to monitor structural changes accompanying photodegradation. Changes in elongation at break and carbonyl index during degradation showed a strong correlation with the average molecular weight of the polymers. At the point of embrittlement, the highest extent of degradation measured using tensile properties, the number-average molecular weights for both polymers were in the 104 g/mol range. Facile biodegradation is not expected of polyethylenes of this degree of polymerization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, 27709, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

    A. L. Andrady & J. E. Pegram

  2. Becton, Dickinson and Company Research Center, 27709, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

    Y. Tropsha

Authors
  1. A. L. Andrady
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  2. J. E. Pegram
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  3. Y. Tropsha
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Andrady, A.L., Pegram, J.E. & Tropsha, Y. Changes in carbonyl index and average molecular weight on embrittlement of enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes. J Environ Polym Degr 1, 171–179 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01458025

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