Polymer degradation is the reduction in the physical properties of a polymer, such as strength, caused by changes in its chemical composition. Polymers and particularly plastics are subject to degradation at all stages of their product life cycle, including during their initial processing, use, disposal into the environment and recycling. The rate of this degradation varies significantly; biodegradation can take decades, whereas some industrial processes can completely decompose a polymer in hours.
Chlorine attack on an acetal resin plumbing joint
Mechanism of galvanic degradation of high temperature polyimide thermoset polymer
Ozone cracking in Natural rubber tubing
Image: Irspec 1
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be molded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to their widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives.
Household items made of various types of plastics
A plastic handle from a kitchen utensil, deformed by heat and partially melted
A Slovnaft facility in Bratislava, Slovakia
A SOCAR Polymer polypropylene plant in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan