The influence of transition metal salts on photo-oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide)

The influence of iron (III), cobalt (II) or nickel (II) chlorides on photo-oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been investigated. The rates and efficiencies of photochemical reactions occurring in PEO containing small amounts (1–3%) of the transition metal chlorides were compared. The mechanism of reaction induced by UV-irradiation in doped PEO is discussed. The role of active Cl atoms and chlorine radical anion Cl2− (formed in the first step of metal salt photolysis) in initiation of polymer degradation is pointed out. The iron salt was found to be the most effective agent accelerating PEO photodegradation.