Degradation biological agents

Other elements of weather and outdoor exposure can interact with UV radiation to accelerate degradation in degradable types of plastics. They include humidity, salt spray, wind, industrial pollutants, and atmospheric impurities such as ozone, biological agents, and temperature. The wavelengths that have the most effect on plastics range from 290 to 400 nm (2,900 to 4,000 A). 

PET [(poly(ethylene terephthalate)] - have excellent mechanical properties, but are resistant to degradation by chemical or biological agents. 

The development of methods and tests for preserving natural textile fibers is surveyed. The effect of the environment in which the textiles are stored or exposed, chemical, physical, and biological agents responsible for their degradation, and test methods for evaluating their performance and extent of damage are discussed. Emphasis is on cotton, wool, and silk, with selected references on other cellulosic fibers such as jute and linen. 

The use of biological agents in future wars and terrorist attacks is a realistic concern. The difficult issues of degraded troop performance and health-... 

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