The discussion centers on the photolysis degradation of PET plastic, particularly in relation to the taint observed in plastic drinking bottles exposed to sunlight. Participants express interest in identifying catalysts that can render PET byproducts non-water soluble or facilitate their evaporation. The challenge lies in balancing degradation with the need to prevent leaching into the contents of the bottles, especially considering the difficulty of treating the interior surfaces due to geometric constraints. Relevant research includes studies on the physico-chemical modifications of PET under DBD and UV irradiation treatments.
PREREQUISITESResearchers in polymer science, environmental scientists, and product developers focused on improving the safety and longevity of plastic packaging materials.
One has to balance that degradation against the desire for non-leaching of the plastic into the contents and long shelf life.lostminty said:Interested in this because plastic drinking bottles have a taint to them when left out in the sun. I gather its from UV degredation of the PET plastic.
I'd like to find a catalyst that would allow the PET byproducts to be non water soluble/sequester or even evaporate.