Influence of Partially Degraded Polymers on the Photodegradation Behaviour of Polyethylene

Arunjunai-Raj Mahendran

    Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

    Abstract

    New efforts were made to produce photodegradable polyethylene by mixing partially degraded polymer (PDP) containing carbonyl groups as initiators for molecular degradation with virgin polymers. In the current work the influence of PDP of varying amount on the photodegradation process of a virgin polymer under natural and artificial weathering conditions is investigated. The degree of degradation expressed by average values of the molar mass of the polymer is measured by size exclusion chromatography and correlated with the number of carbonyl groups in the polymer system estimated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Molecular degradation is also accompanied by an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the polymer which affects the processability of films and is measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Correlation of these measurements helps to judge about the efficiency of a certain PDP in degradation process under various weathering conditions. Furthermore, predictions of the processability and mechanical properties of films containg PDP can be made.
    Translated title of the contributionEinfluß partiell abgebauter Polymere auf das Photodegradationsverhalten von Polyethylenen
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDipl.-Ing.
    Awarding Institution
    • Montanuniversität
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Aust, Nicolai, Supervisor (internal)
    Award date14 Apr 2006
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

    Bibliographical note

    no embargo

    Keywords

    • polyethylene
    • photodegradation
    • partially degraded polymer (PDP)
    • carbonyl number (C=O number)
    • Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
    • differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
    • size exclusion chromatography (SEC)

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