Dynamics of Degradation of Polylactide-Natural Rubber Compositions under the Influence of UV Irradiation

The effect of ultraviolet radiation of various wavelengths (254 nm and 365 nm) on compositions based on polylactide with the addition of natural rubber was studied. It was found that the effect of the wavelength of 254 nm on the studied samples is much more active than 365 nm, which is characterized by a decrease in the melting temperature and the degree of crystallinity of polylactide in the compositions, as well as a deterioration in physical and mechanical properties. The IR spectroscopy method confirms the photodegradation process by changing the intensities of structurally sensitive polylactide and natural rubber bands.