Weathering of polyethylene (LDPE) and enhanced photodegradable polyethylene in the marine environment

Abstract The outdoor weathering of polyethylene homopolymer under exposure in air and in sea water was studied. Rate of deterioration as indicated by the loss in mean ultimate extension was found to be slower when the material was weathered in sea water compared to that in air. The difference in rates is explained in terms of the lack of heat buildup in plastic material floating in sea water. A similar study on a commercially available ethylene–carbon monooxide copolymer indicated rapid photodegradation under both exposure conditions.