Page 44 - Plastics News June 2024

FEATURE NEWS

Understanding Polymer Degradation: Challenges and Solutions in

the Plastics Industry

sure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from
sunlight. UV light can break down the
chemical bonds in polymers, leading
to discoloration, brittleness, and loss
of mechanical strength.
3. Oxidative Degradation

Oxidative degradation involves the re-
action of polymers with oxygen. This
process is accelerated by heat and
light and results in the formation of
free radicals, which further propagate
degradation.
4. Hydrolytic Degradation

Hydrolytic degradation is caused by
the reaction of polymers with water.
This type of degradation is significant
in polymers that are used in humid or
aquatic environments.

5. Biodegradation
Biodegradation involves the break-
down of polymers by microorganisms.
While this can be advantageous for
biodegradable plastics, it poses a chal-
Introduction: process by which polymer materials lenge for conventional plastics that are
undergo structural changes, result- not designed to degrade in the envi-
olymers, often referred to ing in the loss of their properties and ronment.
as plastics, have revolution- functionality. This degradation can be
ized industries ranging from physical, chemical, or biological, and it III. Factors Influencing Polymer Deg-
packaging to automotive to impacts the mechanical, thermal, and radation
healthcare. Their versatility, durabil- optical properties of the polymer. Several factors influence the rate and
ity, and cost-effectiveness have made extent of polymer degradation:
them indispensable in modern soci- II. Types of Polymer Degradation
ety. However, one critical aspect that 1. Thermal Degradation Temperature: Higher temperatures ac-
influences their lifecycle, performance, celerate the degradation process.
and environmental impact is polymer Thermal degradation occurs when Light Exposure: Prolonged exposure
degradation. Understanding the mech- polymers are exposed to high tem- to UV light increases the rate of photo-
anisms, challenges, and solutions as- peratures, causing the breakdown of degradation.
sociated with polymer degradation is molecular bonds. This type of degra-
essential for enhancing the longevity dation is common during processing Oxygen: The presence of oxygen facili-
and sustainability of plastic products. and manufacturing. tates oxidative degradation.

I. What is Polymer Degradation? 2. Photo-Degradation Moisture: Water can promote hydro-
lytic degradation.
Polymer degradation refers to the Photo-degradation is induced by expo-

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