Chemical and physical modifications of alternating ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer by outdoor exposure

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, electron scanning micros copy and mechanical tests have been performed to study the outdoor ageing o f Carilon (a terpolymer which can be described as an ethylene-carbon monoxi de alternate copolymer containing a small amount of propylene units). The results of these analysis are discussed and compared to obtain a descri ption of the structural modifications induced by photodegradation. All the experiments performed show evidence of relevant structural changes in the m aterial localised on the surface of the samples: chemical modification of t he polymers, breaking of polymer chains and rearrangement of the crystallin e phase can be clearly identified. Moreover, mechanical tests reveal that o utdoor ageing involves to some extent the bulk of the material, with a cons equent loss of mechanical properties. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.