A study of the controlled degradation of polypropylene containing pro-oxidant agents

Abstract

Intentional degradation by pro-oxidant agents, many of which are metal-based, can result in uncertainty as to the time of biodegradation. Polyacetal (POM) is a thermoplastic polymer commercially classified as an engineering polymer and contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The depolymerization of POM during processing can enhance thermal decomposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the controlled degradation of polypropylene induced by the degradation of POM or d2w®. Mixtures of polypropylene containing different concentrations of POM or d2w® were prepared by extrusion. The properties of the mixtures (blends) were evaluated based on the melt index (MFI), tensile properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Time inductive oxidation (OIT) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The two additives (POM and d2w®) enhanced the oxidative thermal degradation of polypropylene and the degradation of the polypropylene/POM mixture could be controlled by altering the POM concentration.

Characterization and Lifetime Estimation of High Density Polyethylene Containing a Prodegradant Agent

“…The opposite behavior was observed in OOT and DSC analyses, where pure HDPE showed greater stability. A similar behavior was observed for d2w ® -additivated polypropylene in a study by Carvalho et al [17], using OIT (oxidation induction time), MFI (melt flow index), FTIR and mechanical tests and TG techniques to determine Ea.…”

“…Roy et al [17] determined the lifetime of LDPE (taken as the time for 5% mass loss) additivated with cobalt stearate as a prodegradant agent. The additive was directly incorporated into LDPE during extrusion, without a masterbatch, that is, without the influence of the stabilizer load, which are normally used in masterbatches.…”

“…Although polyethylene has been extensively studied, relatively few reports actually address the investigation of the characterization of this polymer containing a prodegradant agent [17] [18] [19]. Moreover, only Maryudi et al [19] presented a study related to lifetime estimation of high density polyethylene with a pro-degradant agent.…”

Fast assessment of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film oxidation by surface-enhanced Raman scattering with in situ formation of a silver nanoparticle substrate

“…Secondly, the polymers become vulnerable to microorganisms. [2][3][4][5][6] Oxo-biodegradable technology is widely used for agricultural and food packaging applications. [7][8][9][10][11] Several studies have demonstrated that a complex combination of environmental factors including temperature, sunlight, oxygen and microbial activity are responsible for degradation of both polyethylene (PE) and oxo-biodegradable PE.…”

Polypropylene nanocomposites with oxo‐degradable pro‐oxidant: Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and photo‐degradation performance

“…The degraded samples also exhibited a reduction of crystallinity and melting temperature due to the formation of thinner crystallites and had faster biotic degradation. Carvalho also reported the use of polyacetal as pro‐oxidant to stimulate the oxidation of PP at a concentration of >3 wt%. However, as mentioned above, care and control during fragmentation is needed to avoid environmental hazards associated with the pro‐oxidants.…”