1994 Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 192-198
Effect of wavelength of irradiated light on the photodecomposition of ethylene-carbon monoxide (E/CO) copolymers was examined. Photo-irradiation of the copolymers was carried out with polychromatic radiation emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp with or without a pyrex glass filter, and with various monochromatic sources. On the basis of the measurements of UV-Vis and IR spectra, viscosity, density and so on, the following results were obtained. The photodecomposition of the E/CO copolymers was remarkably affected by the wavelength of the irradiated light and 280 nm light was the most effective followed by 260 and 300 nm light. Little decomposition occurred with the irradiation longer than 340 nm light. The decomposition proceeded very rapidly at the early stage, and elimination of CO group, formation of terminal double bond, decreases in viscosity number and elongation at break, and increase in density were clearly observed.
