Polyolefins and the environment

Abstract Polymer science has built a considerable body of knowledge with regards to structure–property relationships. This knowledge starts with a thorough understanding of the primary structure of the polymer. Polymeric materials exhibit an extraordinary range of mechanical responses which depend on the chemical and physical structures of the polymer chains. Polymer degradation processes vary depending on the environmental conditions where the polymer is used during manufacturing and the structure of the polymer. Polymer degradation is usually shown by molecular weight variations due to the exposure to high processing temperature and to relevant mechanical stresses and strains. This chapter discusses the different types of polyolefins degradation, their methods and mechanism of degradation.