The effect of properties of polyolefines and outdoor factors on the course of polyolefines' degradation

Literature review (38 references) on investigations of photodegradation of polyolefines, especially polyethylene and polypropylene, has been done. The influences of chemical structure of the polymer, its crystallinity degree, sample thickness and outdoor factors (wavelength and radiation intensity, temperature, oxygen pressure) on the course of light ageing have been discussed. It has been stressed that proper analysis of the course of photodegradation requires measurements of changes of couple of characteristics of ageing sample. Analyses done on the basis either only mechanical properties' changes or just increasing of photooxidation products amount are not sufficient.