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.

Evaluating polymer photodegradation processes in environmental systems

2019 Spring National Meeting

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