| abstract |
A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound is structurally stable during its useful life and which upon introduction into a suitable environment, degrades under chemical, photochemical and biodegradation mechanisms into innocuous products. Stabilizers may be incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer to help maintain the structural and functional integrity through the useful life of the product. Degradation is then brought about by the synergistic interaction of the biodegradable component, an oxidizable component, transition metal additives and an aromatic ketone incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer. In the degradation process, the biodegradable component is metabolized to expose the thermoplastic polymer surface to chemical attack. In addition, the oxidizable component in conjunction with the catalytic system effects oxidative breakdown of the thermoplastic polymer to give lower molecular weight fragments that are susceptible to enzymatic attack in the decomposition environment. The result is the complete breakdown of the thermoplastic polymer into innocuous products. The chemical, photochemical, and biodegradation mechanisms comprising the degradation process occur both sequentially and simultaneously in cooperative, synergistic action to bring about the desired result. |