Rapid test methods for analyzing degradable polyolefins with a pro-oxidantsystem

Chemiluminescence, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning cal orimetry, thermogravimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy wer e used to assess differences in oxidation rate between two different pro-ox idant systems in degradable low-density polyethylene. The pro-oxidant formu lation used consisted of manganese stearate and natural rubber or manganese stearate and a synthetic, styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber. The low-dens ity polyethylene containing the prooxidant with natural rubber showed the h ighest degradation rate. Chemiluminescence and thermogravimetry were found to be the most effective techniques for establishing the differences betwee n different pro-oxidant systems. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.