Our environment is overrun with petroleum polymers, plant-based biopolymers may provide a shorter degrading time, but the longevity of these biopolymers is often disputed. The photo-degradation of a commonly used biopolymer, polylactic acid, was examined using UVA, UVB, and full spectrum light sources, and compared to the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate under similar conditions. This degradation will also be observed under different gas environments and results will be presented.

Photo-degradation of polylactic acid and polyethylene terephthalate in different gas environments

2019 Spring National Meeting

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