LDPE degradation by IR-laser irradiation

Thermal degradation of low density polyethylene(LDPE) due to laser action is presented. Chemiluminescence determinations at 210 °C were performed on purified LDPE and stabilised material with triazines [2,6-thio-bis-(lauryl-4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl-aniline)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl-aniline)-6-thio-(lauryl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butyl-aniline)-6-mercapto-1,3,5-triazine) or 2,4-bis(n-octyl-thio)-6-(4-hydroxy-3,5,di-t-butyl-aniline)-1,3,5-triazine]. The kinetic treatment of chemiluminescence data allows estimation of the antioxidant ability to retard oxidative degradation under severe energy transfer and to formulate a general mechanism through which laser irradiation damages the majority of polyolefins.