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Samples of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and tetratetracontane (n‐C44H90) free from additives were heated in air at temperatures between 120 and 180°C. As a comparison, “as received” HDPE containing unspecified additives has also been included. The structural changes have been studied with gel chromatography, viscometry, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gravimetric measurements. LDPE, HDPE, and n‐C44H90 follow the same course of thermooxidative degradation when they are free from additives and present in the molten state. Both molecular‐diminishing and enlargement reactions occur. At temperatures below 150°C molecular enlargement is not observed until after rather long exposure times, whereas at higher temperatures enlargement occurs immediately. The difference is because “peroxide curing” becomes increasingly important above 150°C, whereas ester formation is operating at all temperature levels. Degradation below Tm is restricted to the amorphous phase that results in a different degradation pattern. In accelerated testing work extrapolations of the Arrhenius type in the prediction of structural change are thus not justified, even within the actual narrow temperature range. Neither are changes in commonly used standards like carbonyl content justified as a measure of the changes; for example, in mechanical properties. The stabilizer in the unpurified HDPE not only influences the induction period but also the course of the thermooxidative degradation.

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