A Synergistic Effect of Light and Heat on Degradation for Polypropylene

Abstract

Oxidative degradation of polypropylene (PP) is accelerated by not only sunlight but also temperature. Here we propose how the degradation behavior of PP under ultraviolet light irradiation conditions at elevated temperatures, which are more severe than the standards set by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), can be examined. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with gel permeation chromatography revealed that the combination of light and heat definitely accelerated the chain scission, or oxidative degradation, of PP, resulting in deterioration of mechanical properties for PP.