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

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