3 March 2024 | Chrysanthos Maraveas, Ioannis Vasileios Kyrtopoulos, Konstantinos G. Arvanitis and Thomas Bartzanas
This review explores the aging of polymers under electromagnetic radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Polymers degrade when exposed to environmental factors such as temperature, light, and humidity. UV radiation weakens polymer mechanical properties, leading to degradation. The study examines three main objectives: understanding the theories behind UV radiation's impact on polymer decomposition, testing procedures for assessing polymer aging, and evaluating current methods to enhance UV resistance in polymers. The study uses a literature review to analyze how electromagnetic radiation affects polymer aging. It concludes that additives and UV absorbers can extend polymer lifespan by shielding them from UV effects. Thermal conditions contribute to polymer degradation by breaking physical and chemical bonds. UV radiation and high temperatures accelerate plastic degradation. The study also discusses testing methods, such as using UV-A and UV-B lamps to accelerate aging. It highlights the importance of understanding polymer aging for practical applications, such as agricultural plastics. The review also addresses the environmental impact of aged plastics, including microplastics and pollution. It discusses methods to improve polymer performance, such as using additives and stabilizers. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand polymer aging mechanisms and develop effective solutions. The review concludes that understanding polymer aging under UV radiation is crucial for improving polymer performance and sustainability.This review explores the aging of polymers under electromagnetic radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Polymers degrade when exposed to environmental factors such as temperature, light, and humidity. UV radiation weakens polymer mechanical properties, leading to degradation. The study examines three main objectives: understanding the theories behind UV radiation's impact on polymer decomposition, testing procedures for assessing polymer aging, and evaluating current methods to enhance UV resistance in polymers. The study uses a literature review to analyze how electromagnetic radiation affects polymer aging. It concludes that additives and UV absorbers can extend polymer lifespan by shielding them from UV effects. Thermal conditions contribute to polymer degradation by breaking physical and chemical bonds. UV radiation and high temperatures accelerate plastic degradation. The study also discusses testing methods, such as using UV-A and UV-B lamps to accelerate aging. It highlights the importance of understanding polymer aging for practical applications, such as agricultural plastics. The review also addresses the environmental impact of aged plastics, including microplastics and pollution. It discusses methods to improve polymer performance, such as using additives and stabilizers. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand polymer aging mechanisms and develop effective solutions. The review concludes that understanding polymer aging under UV radiation is crucial for improving polymer performance and sustainability.