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Evaluating polymer photodegradation processes in environmental systems
Citation:
Zepp, R., Brad Acrey, D. Bouchard, A. Commodore, O. Okungbowa, AND M. Davis. Evaluating polymer photodegradation processes in environmental systems. 2019 ACS Spring Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 31 - April 04, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This is an abstract for presentation in the session on “Polymer Degradation Processes in Environmental Systems” at the 257th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Mar 31, 2019 – Apr 4, 2019, Orlando FL. The file “Zepp Abstract Orlando rvsd 3.docx” Is the final revised version. This also includes Fran Rauschenberg’s comments. The research is linked to:
Description:
Global production of synthetic polymers, dominated by polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, exceeded 335 Mt in 2016, and is expected to double over the next 20 years. Here we present results of studies that evaluated the photodegradation of a composite of low density polyethylene (LDPE) with nanosilica. Photodegradation studies of nanosilica-LDPE composites were conducted using simulated sunlight under dry conditions. The polymer was modified by adding a pro-oxidant to stimulate transformation of the polymer matrix to more biodegradable forms. Polymer degradation was quantified by Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and changes in tensile mechanical properties. Addition of the pro-oxidant accelerated deterioration of mechanical strength by an order of magnitude, compared to controls. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterized changes in the surface topography of the weathered composites. Wavelength studies demonstrated that the short-wavelength component of simulated sunlight was most effective in inducing photodegradation of the matrix with added pro-oxidant. Action spectra based on these wavelength studies evaluated the effects of sunlight on photodegradation of this polymer, across space and time.