Polymer materials with controlled degradation time

Abstract

The aim of this work was carry out accelarated process of ageing for cyclic olefin copolymer ethylene – norbornene (Topas). The Topas cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) family characterize high transparency, excellent mechanical properties and low water permeability. The influence of external factors such as UV radiation, elevated temperature, oxygen effect and humidity causing degradation of polymer macroparticles was also investigated. The properties of the polymer before and after weathering and UV radiation were also compared. Degradability was examinated by measuring color change, FTIR spectrum analysis and determination of the ageing factor k. The tensile strength, elongation at break and hardness of composites by Shore A method were measured. The synergistic effect of temperature, humidity and UV radiation reduces the mechanical properties of the samples tested, while the interaction of only UV radiation on the samples causes a significant change color.