Decomposition of Polymeric Materials

Abstract

Chemical decomposition of plastics were reviewed from a viewpoint of waste plastics treatment. The general relationship between molecular structures and chemical degradability of plastics, for example of polyolefines, hydroxyl containing polymers, polyesters and polyamides etc., were introduced. The degradation behavior of plastics by thermal decomposition, depolymerization, hydrolysis and oxidation, which were seemed to have the possibility of actualization as the method of waste treatment, were shown. Biodegradable polymers were also reviewed briefly.