Rapid test methods for analyzing degradable polyolefins with a pro-oxidant system

Abstract

Chemiluminescence, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess differences in oxidation rate between two different pro-oxidant systems in degradable low-density polyethylene. The pro-oxidant formulation used consisted of manganese stearate and natural rubber or manganese stearate and a synthetic, styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber. The low-density polyethylene containing the pro-oxidant with natural rubber showed the highest degradation rate. Chemiluminescence and thermogravimetry were found to be the most effective techniques for establishing the differences between different pro-oxidant systems. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 2309–2316, 2001