Bevin C. Daglen

Photodegradable plastics: end-of-life design principles

Abstract Photochemically degradable polymers and plastics are reviewed with an emphasis on the environmental and molecular factors that control the onset of degradation and the rate of degradation. A number of principles are beginning to emerge for the design of viable photochemically degradable plastics. Among the principles discussed are those relating to the effects of chromophores, initiators, antioxidants, temperature, oxygen diffusion into the plastic, polymer crystallinity, tensile and compressive stress, and the absorbed light intensity on the plastic. To obtain a plastic with a controlled lifetime and a specific rate of degradation, many of these parameters can be controlled or adjusted in the design stage of the plastic.

Measuring solid-state quantum yields: The conversion of a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG diode laser pointer module into a viable light source

This article outlines the difficulties associated with measuring quantum yields for solid-state samples using a high-pressure mercury arc lamp as the irradiation source. Details are given for the conversion of an inexpensive frequency-doubled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) diode laser pointer module into a viable irradiation source. The modified Nd:YAG laser was incorporated into a computer-controlled system, which allowed for the simultaneous irradiation and spectroscopic monitoring of the sample. The data obtained with the Nd:YAG diode laser system show far less scatter than data obtained with a high-pressure Hg arc lamp, and consequently the degradation rates obtained with the laser system could be calculated with far greater accuracy.