Effect of soil environment on the photo‐degradation of polyethylene films

Abstract

Outdoor weathering field trials performed with oxo-degradable polyethylene (PE) thin films were conducted across temperate, grassland, and subtropical sites around Australia. It was found that a site factor, that was apparently independent of total solar dose and temperature, significantly impacted the rate and extent of photo-oxidation. Controlled laboratory-based accelerated aging trials of both PE film with no prodegradant and oxo-degradable PE films (containing iron stearate) revealed that the rate and extent of PE photo-oxidation did not correlate with temperature under the film or UV exposure, but was soil dependent. Under accelerated photo-oxidative conditions, the time to reach embrittlement for a PE film aged over the soil from the temperate site (OM 8.4) was half (24.5 days) the time taken when aged over air (48 days). Further investigation revealed that humic acids and fulvic acids within soil organic matter may contribute to an increased rate of PE photo-oxidation, possibly through the formation of volatile reactive oxygen species that may form under photo-oxidative conditions. The presence of water also had a significant impact on the rate of photo-oxidation. Overall, the impact of soil on PE photo-oxidation was found to be complex and likely dependent at least in part on soil components that varied between different soil types, consequently influencing their photo-chemistry. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J.Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42558.

Analysis of Ageing Processes of Semi-Crystalline Materials

“…In natural conditions, most often with the interaction of different types of degradation with different intensities of the impact of degradation factors occurs, which example is simultaneous impact of atmospheric (chemical and thermal degradation) and mechanical factors (mechanodegradation) on stadium seats during their use [12, 17 ÷ 19]. In turn, in this study, [32,33], it was found that the effect of many factors at the same time enhances the degradation processes. In publications [25,26] it was pointed out that polymeric materials are characterized by different resistance and behaviour during keeping in aggressive substances.…”

Degradation of Polyethylene and Biocomponent-Derived Polymer Materials: An Overview

“…The subject literature shows that previous studies focused primarily on the assessment of changes in the properties of various types of polymer materials in the composting process [14,64], after introducing into the soil [27,28] or on a simultaneous comparison of the composting process and the effect of the soil environment on the polymer material degradation [73]. Also Gauthier et al [74] and Vargla et al [75] emphasised the fact that the majority of previous tests to determine the degree of polymer material degradation were carried out under controlled conditions and that the information relating to natural conditions is very limited, as such tests usually concern the possibility of using polymer materials for agricultural crops under protective covers. Gauthier et al [74] argued that this is caused by the difficulty to determine the impact of individual environmental factors (e.g.…”

“…Also Gauthier et al [74] and Vargla et al [75] emphasised the fact that the majority of previous tests to determine the degree of polymer material degradation were carried out under controlled conditions and that the information relating to natural conditions is very limited, as such tests usually concern the possibility of using polymer materials for agricultural crops under protective covers. Gauthier et al [74] argued that this is caused by the difficulty to determine the impact of individual environmental factors (e.g. geographical location, weather conditions, use of fertilisers and plant protection products) on the rate of polymer material degradation.…”

“…precipitation, wind, frost, solar radiation) and factors associated with the intended human activity are not taken into account under laboratory conditions. Gauthier et al [74] also emphasised that the soil properties, the transformation of organic matter and the trace element in particular, have a significant effect on the degree of polymer material degradation. The latest literature shows that there are already studies on the use of biodegradable mulches in agricultural production systems [62,76].…”

LDPE Oxidation by CO2 Laser Radiation (10.6 µm)

“…Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most extensively used thermoplastic polymers [1,2]; its mechanical properties, electrical insulation, chemical resistance, being odorless and nontoxic, toughness and flexibility, low cost, and easy processability have led to a widespread use in diverse applications [3,4]. These properties make PE suitable material for use as packaging films, enabling the production of mechanically strong films [5].…”