Which UV Radiation Is Most Effective in Polymer Degradation?

[Dukus]

Hi there, does anyone know which type of UV radiation would be most effective in polymer degradation or more importantly jet ink fading. Personally I think it should be UVC as it has the highest energy per photon but I could't find much about it so please help, it's very important as I'm behind with my work and can't afford guessing.

Thanks in advance

 

[madmike159]

I can't find any thing scientific on the subject either. I would guess the photons with greater energy (E=hf) would degrade the colour faster. The colours are a mixture of different chemicals which might also have chemical bonds. High energy photons would break these bonds, so it would seem logical to assume that UVC would be the most damaging.

 

[sir-pinski]

There are a few factors that can influence the effectiveness of UV radiation in polymer degradation, including the type of polymer, the intensity and duration of the UV exposure, and the specific wavelength of UV radiation. Generally, UVB and UVC radiation are considered to be more effective in polymer degradation compared to UVA radiation.

UVC radiation has the highest energy per photon, which can lead to faster degradation of polymers. However, UVC radiation is typically filtered out by the Earth's ozone layer, so it may not be as readily available for use in polymer degradation studies.

UVB radiation has a lower energy per photon compared to UVC, but it is still capable of causing significant degradation in polymers. It is also more readily available in natural sunlight and can penetrate deeper into materials, making it a common choice for studies on polymer degradation.

In terms of jet ink fading, UVA radiation may be the most significant contributor. This is because UVA radiation is able to penetrate deeper into materials and can cause more gradual degradation over time. However, UVB and UVC radiation can also contribute to ink fading, depending on the specific ink and polymer materials used.

In summary, the most effective type of UV radiation for polymer degradation and ink fading may vary depending on the specific materials and conditions involved. It is important to carefully consider all factors and conduct thorough research to determine the most appropriate type of UV radiation for your specific study.