What are the effects of ozone depletion on the degradation rates of PVC?

Ozone depletion significantly accelerates the degradation rates of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by allowing higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface. PVC, a widely used synthetic polymer, is particularly vulnerable to UV exposure, which breaks down its molecular structure over time. This process leads to reduced durability, discoloration, and brittleness in PVC products, affecting their lifespan and performance.

Increased UV radiation due to thinning ozone layers exacerbates photodegradation, causing chain scission and loss of mechanical properties in PVC. This environmental stress not only compromises material integrity but also raises concerns about microplastic pollution as degraded PVC fragments enter ecosystems.

Understanding these effects is crucial for industries relying on PVC, prompting the need for UV stabilizers and alternative materials to mitigate long-term environmental and economic impacts.