Fragmented plastic Peroxidation

Contrary to popular belief, the physical fragmentation of hydrocarbon polymers can be accelerated in a controlled manner by heat and light by the use of appropriate combinations of additives [2]. This results from peroxidation and chemical modification of the component polymers and is associated with the formation of low molecular weight carboxylic acids and alcohols. This encourages microbial colonisation at the surface of the plastic and leads to bioerosion of the film with mass loss. 

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