The use of photodegradability of polyethylene in medicine. Own experiments].

Renata Wawrzaszek

Zakład Chirurgii Eksperymentalnej i Badania Biomateriałów, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu. renia355@o2

Polimery w medycynie 2013

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The introduction ofphotodegradable polymers raises doubts among the natural profession. Photodegradation is a process of destruction of polymer, that is the entirety of physical and chemical change within the plastic, leading to irreversible changes in structure and deterioration of processing parameters. The prospect of release of products of degradation, possessing unknown capabilities is unsettling, as is the possibility of accumulation of compounds that could potentially be toxic, mutagenic and allergenic. Despite this, the use of photodegradable polymers is unavoidable in some cases. The applicability of degradable materials is easily visible in agriculture, horticulture and fruit-growing and medicine. The aim of the study is to asses the influence of selected additives over the process of accelerated aging of polyethylene. The aging was conducted in laboratory environment using lamps simulating the effect of natural sunlight in conditions similar to natural. Preparation of polyethylene samples with sensitizers (TiO2-anatase, acacFe (II), acacFe (III)) added, aging of the sample in a UV chamber, estimating the surface changes in polyethylene after irradiation by measuring contact angle, spectroscopic analysis of polyethylene photodegradation, assessing endurance characteristics. The results of study show the highest degradation occurs if Ferrous (Iron (II)) acetylacetonate is used, with Ferric (Iron (III)) acetylacetonate showing slightly less effectiveness. TiO2-anatase indicates little influence over the process of degradation, on the contrary--a protective activity can be noticed, connected with white colour of this additive reflecting UV radiation. The results of the study clearly signify an interrelation between aging process and endurance characteristics of the material. The conducted analysis shows correlation between the number of carbonyl groups and endurance characteristics which, in turn, points to clear structural changes in polyethylene.