A study of the controlled degradation of polypropylene containing pro-oxidant agents

Intentional degradation by pro-oxidant agents, many of which are metal-based, can result in uncertainty as to the time of biodegradation. Polyacetal (POM) is a thermoplastic polymer commercially classified as an engineering polymer and contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The depolymerization of POM during processing can enhance thermal decomposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the controlled degradation of polypropylene induced by the degradation of POM or d(2)w®. Mixtures of polypropylene containing different concentrations of POM or d(2)w® were prepared by extrusion. The properties of the mixtures (blends) were evaluated based on the melt index (MFI), tensile properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Time inductive oxidation (OIT) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The two additives (POM and d(2)w®) enhanced the oxidative thermal degradation of polypropylene and the degradation of the polypropylene/POM mixture could be controlled by altering the POM concentration.