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Evaluation of the impact of natural weathering on the properties of high‐density polyethylene bottles by experimental approach
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Researchers studied natural weathering effects on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles using FTIR, SEM, TGA, and mechanical testing, finding that outdoor exposure causes surface oxidation, material fragmentation, decreased molecular weight, and reduced tensile and compressive strength—providing quantitative damage data relevant to understanding microplastic generation from plastic packaging.
Abstract This work presents an in‐depth experimental study aimed at assessing the impact of natural weathering on the behavior of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. To this end, several analytical techniques were employed, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine molecular changes, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study morphology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess thermal properties, and tensile and compression tests to evaluate mechanical properties. The results obtained reveal significant changes in HDPE exposed to natural weathering. FTIR analysis enabled us to identify that the HDPE bottles had been subjected to an oxidation process initiated by the absorption of solar radiation during natural weathering treatments, while SEM analysis showed the presence of holes resulting from the detachment of material fragments after exposure, TGA analysis confirms the impact of natural exposure time on the decrease in the average molecular weight and chemical degradation of HDPE macromolecules, through a reduction in the initial degradation temperature and the maximum thermodegradation temperature. However, tensile and compressive tests showed a reduction in the mechanical strength of HDPE after exposure to natural conditions, with notable variations depending on environmental conditions, making the material damaged. These results enabled us to calculate the damage caused by three damage laws. These results offer important insights into the mechanisms of HDPE degradation under the influence of natural climatic factors, paving the way for the development of more resistant and durable packaging materials in the face of variable environmental conditions. Highlights The objective of this study is to analyze and describe the effects of natural weathering on high‐density polyethylene bottles. This involves evaluating the deterioration of physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties. Additionally, three damage laws are employed to assess the extent of damage inflicted by this material. Analytical techniques were used, including SEM, FTIR, and TGA, tensile and compressive test.
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