Polymers degradation mechanism macroscopic properties

The prediction of the useful lifetime of polymer materials is a major challenge for the industry. New research efforts have been focused to understand the complex mechanism of polymer degradation by analyzing the chemiluminescence emission, due to its capabilities as well as commercially developed instrumentation. In the next few years, it would be expected that chemiluminescence will earn a place as a well-established research technique in many laboratories, and will contribute to the better understanding of the molecular structural level and the relationship with the macroscopic properties and the behavior in the use of the polymeric materials. 

Mechanical stress causes changes in the physical properties and chemical reactivity of polymers [397]. Macroscopic extension of a polymer film causes anisotropic orientation and extension of polymer chains. Stress can cause chain breaks and introduce radicals, which can initiate degradative processes such as oxidation or microcracking. 

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