Diploma Thesis Defense by Mrs. Elisavet Papadaki
09/19/2019
Thesis Title: «Modelling of the weathering of plastic films (LDPE, PP, PET) by UV radiation in marine and coastal environments»
Wednesday 12 February 2020, at: 13:00, Venue: Hall Κ2.Α3
Examination Committee
- Professor Nicolas Kalogerakis (advisor)
- Professor Alexadros Gotsis
- Dr Evdokia Syranidou
Abstract
Despite the benefits and convenience of using plastics in human daily life, there are many negative effects of using them on the environment. Tons of plastic waste end up in marine and coastal ecosystems, causing ecological, economic and social impacts. Exposure to various environmental conditions such as UV radiation, temperature and oxygen results in the natural aging of plastics.
The purpose of this thesis is to study the abiotic degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) plastic films when they are exposed to UV radiation in marine and coastal simulated mesocosms for twelve months. Different methods of processing the results compare the provisions on which is most favorable for the degradation of plastics. Also, by modeling using R, models are proposed to determine the rate of the abiotic degradation. Modeling is used for the indices of the new functional groups that created during the degradation of LDPE and PP plastics. The results proved that the coastal simulated mesocosm was more effective for aging plastic films due to their direct exposure to UV radiation. In contrast, in the aquariums, low temperature of water and the formation of biofilm on the films’ surface prevent the absorption of radiatio
