Definitions of terms relating to degradation, aging, and related chemical transformations of polymers

Chemical reactions of polymers are very important from the points of view of chemical modifications of polymers to improve properties and changes in structure and physico-chemical properties in the course of synthesis, processing, application or the action of chemicals or microorganisms. However, terminology has developed only on ad hoc bases in different professional communities. Hence, this document presents an alphabetical list of terms relating to degradation, aging, and related chemical transformations of polymers, and defines a self-consistent terminology for the field to aid communication and avoid confusion. Some of the general definitions are modified by one or more prefixes or adjectives describing type or cause. Definitions of basic terms such as aging, degradation, and stability have notes appended relating to specific cases. Thus, for example, definitions of different types of aging (such as artificial, cosmic, ground, or radiation aging) are covered by notes under the general term ''aging''. Adjective-modified terms that are frequently used by themselves are defined separately; biodegradation, photostabilizer, and chain-terminating antioxidant are typical examples. An index is appended at the end of the document for the reader's convenience.