Photodegradation mechanisms in poly(2,6-butylenenaphthalate-co-tetramethyleneglycol) (PBN-PTMG). I: influence of the PTMG content

We have investigated the mechanisms of the photodegradation of poly(2,6-butylenenaphthalate-co-tetramethyleneglycol) (PBN-PTMG) using polychromatic radiation and have analyzed its photodegradation products. As PTMG contents increase, the degree of photodegradation rises. Under our experimental conditions, we concluded that the polymer degradation occurs mainly in the ether parts of the soft-segments, where photo-irradiation generates ester bonds, aldehyde, formate and propyl end groups, and, we believe, crosslinking as well.