photodegradable
Light breaks it down
Photodegradable describes materials that break down when exposed to light, especially sunlight.
The term appears most often in discussions of plastics and packaging designed to decompose rather than persist in the environment: photodegradable plastic bags, photodegradable mulch film.
Unlike biodegradable materials, which decompose through biological processes, photodegradable substances require ultraviolet radiation to trigger their breakdown.
Radiance from our star
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- exposureState of being unprotected
- ozoneTriatomic oxygen allotrope
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
landfill · microplastics · pollution · litter · ecotoxicity · leaching · persistence
Able to decompose naturally
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
- recyclableCapable of being remade
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- renewableCapable of restoration
Losing electrons chemically
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
- light-sensitiveResponsive to radiant energy
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
radicals · hydrolysis · embrittlement · catalyst · additives · wavelength · absorption · chromophores
Large chain-like molecules
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- bottlesNarrow-necked liquid containers
- containersObjects for holding things
- coatingsApplied surface layers
sunlight
Radiance from our star
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- exposureState of being unprotected
- ozoneTriatomic oxygen allotrope
atmosphere · landfill · microplastics · pollution · litter · ecotoxicity · leaching · persistence
compostable
Able to decompose naturally
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
- recyclableCapable of being remade
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
renewable · low-impact · lifecycle · end-of-life · disposal
oxidation
Losing electrons chemically
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
- light-sensitiveResponsive to radiant energy
weathering · radicals · hydrolysis · embrittlement · catalyst · additives · wavelength · absorption · chromophores
polymers
Large chain-like molecules
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- bottlesNarrow-necked liquid containers
- containersObjects for holding things
photodegradablepermanent
Fixed without end
imperishable · indestructible · durable · persistent · stable
photo, degrade, degradable, photolysis, photochemical, photosensitive, photosensitivity, photodegradation, photoreactive