DEFINITIONS OF TERMS RELATING TO DEGRADATION, AGING, AND RELATED CHEMICAL-TRANSFORMATIONS OF POLYMERS

Chemical reactions of polymers are very important from the points of v iew of chemical modifications of polymers to improve properties and ch anges in structure and physico-chemical properties in the course of sy nthesis, processing, application or the action of chemicals or microor ganisms. However, terminology has developed only on ad hoc bases in di fferent professional communities. Hence, this document presents an alp habetical list of terms relating to degradation, aging, and related ch emical transformations of polymers, and defines a self-consistent term inology for the field to aid communication and avoid confusion. Some o f the general definitions are modified by one or more prefixes or adje ctives describing type or cause. Definitions of basic terms such as ag ing, degradation, and stability have notes appended relating to specif ic cases. Thus, for example, definitions of different types of aging ( such as artificial, cosmic, ground, or radiation aging) are covered by notes under the general term ''aging''. Adjective-modified terms that are frequently used by themselves are defined separately; biodegradat ion, photostabilizer, and chain-terminating antioxidant are typical ex amples. An index is appended at the end of the document for the reader 's convenience.