Oxo-biodegradation of polyolefins in the environment

Hydrocarbon polymers in air degrade by a free radical chain reaction involving [Pg.464]

Transition metal ions catalyse hydroperoxide formation (eqns 17.1-17.4). [Pg.465]

Many dithiocarbamate complexes (MDRCs) are very sensitive to sunlight and so long as the sulphur ligand remains intact, they are photo-antioxidants but they invert to photo- and thermo-prooxidants after photolysis. [Pg.465]

The ultimate end-point of this process is the conversion of the original polymer to biodegradable low molar mass products. [Pg.465]

Carbon-chain polymers Helcro-chain polymers [Pg.466]

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