The science and engineering of polymer composite degradation

Degradation mechanisms for polymers exposed to aquatic and terrestrial environments are presented and their significance is discussed in terms of current definitions, standards, polymer materials and biodegradation kinetics in model polymer-starch blends [1], 

Degradable Polymers. Edited by Gerald Scott and Dan Gilead. 

How do plastics degrade in the environment Many studies show that plastics can degrade by four mechanisms as follows. 

The absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun which leads to decomposition of the plastic molecules is called photodegradation. This is the most understood degradation process and many commodity plastics contain additives to prevent them from degrading in sunlight. Photodegradability of 

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Wool, R. P. 1995. The science and engineering of polymer composite degradation. In Degradable polymers Principles and applications, eds. G. Scott and D. Gilead, 141. New York, NY Chapman and Hall. 

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