Degradation of enhanced degradable Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (with photosensitizers and biodegradable filler) was carried out under accelerated UV exposure in sealed vials in order to capture the shortest and most volatile low molecular weight products. The photoproducts were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and polymer-matrix degradation monitored by high temperature size exclusion chromatography (HTSEC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The components identified were series of ketones, linear and branched alkanes, alkenes, carboxylic acids, lactones, alcohols and esters. The identification of 2,5-hexanedione has not been reported before. Degradation products from the additives which were used to increase the degradation were found. Benzoic acid and benzaldehyde were formed in LDPE containing SBS pro-oxidant in master batch (MB) samples. 1,2,4-trimethyl benzene and acetophenone were identified only in samples containing carbon black. The degradation rate of the enhanced degradable LDPE differ and samples containing iron dimethyldithiocarbamate (FeDMC) degraded faster than other materials, while LDPE modified with both FeDMC and nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate (NiDBC) showed the lowest degradation rate. The next most degradable material is LDPE containing starch and SBS pro-oxidant in MB. The high rate susceptibility of MB samples to photodegradation is due to presence of both pro-oxidant system and corn starch. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.