High density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most common thermoplastics and has a wide variety of applications in natural weathering environments. Polyethylene is susceptible to photo-oxidation degradation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for extended periods of time. This study examines the physical and chemical changes of HDPE under natural and accelerated UV light conditions. Several samples were exposed to outdoor weathering environments in Florida for short and long periods of time during both higher and lower temperature months throughout the year. Accelerated samples were exposed using a Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure (SPHERE) under various controlled temperatures, humidity’s and uniform flux of UV light conditions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) were used to measure the carbonyl index, crystallinity, and yellowing index, respectively, to determine the chemical changes. Mechanical properties were determined using tensile testing and elongation of break in parallel for comparison purposes.

Physical and chemical analysis of photodegraded high-density polyethylene by natural and accelerated ultraviolet light exposure

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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