| Abstract: | Poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymers were prepared containing minor amounts of comonomers containing backbone and side-chain ketone groups. The photochemistry of these polymers was studied at 313 nm, both in film and fiber form. It was demonstrated that only the comonomer, dimethyl-γ-ketopimelate (DMKP), gave a copolymer with enhanced sensitivity to ultraviolet degradation in air. Since this sensitivity is reduced in a nitrogen atmosphere, it is suggested that the mechanism involves main-chain scission to form two free radicals by the Norrish type I mechanism, and that recombination of these radicals is reduced by reaction with oxygen. The use of copolymers of this type provides a method for the controlled photodegradation of polyester fibers. |
