Photodegradable polyolefins. Photo-oxidation mechanisms of innovative polyolefin copolymers containing double bonds

Abstract Photodegradable polyolefins based on ketone carbonyl and carbon monoxide copolymers are discussed. The proposed photo-oxidation mechanisms for these copolymers show efficient chain scission processes photoinduced by Norrish I and II reaction in polymer matrix. Other polyolefins copolymers containing unsaturation have been suggested as new innovative and photodegradable materials. In the photo-oxidative conditions, the formation of α,β-unsaturated ketone impart high yields of chains scissions leading to a rapid embrittlement and fragmentation of these copolymers.