29 Jun 2003, 10:02, Charles Angelich (1:106/2000), wrote to Matt Mc_carthy:

Hi Charles.

 CA> --8<--cut 

 CA> I'm just saying that I doubt there is a photo-electric reaction
 CA> for plastic but I do think the infrared (heat?) would have an
 CA> affect. 

For those plastics that are affected by light, UV is the prime
deteriorating agent, not IR.

There are too many thousands of kinds of "plastic" to be able to
lump them into any single category.  Each plastic is designed for a
specific purpose, there is no do-it-all, nor is there any end-it-all.

Plastics that contain no aromatic agents (volatile components) are
impervious to reasonable amounts of heat for extended periods.  Two brand
names that come to mind are Bakelite and Teflon.

Nylon was invented for its strength, and is used extensively for small
gears, ropes, etc., where strength is needed.  But, Nylon absorbs water and
is eventually destroyed by it.  Nitric acid will dissolve Nylon, yet
hydrochloric acid, used for etching glass, is stored in Nylon containers.

Most of us are familiar with what we fondly call the "New Car
smell" of a new car.  If everyone realized what makes that smell, the
auto industry would likely collapse.  What we smell, is the mildly toxic
evaporating aromatic components from the various 'junk plastics' used in
auto manufacture, from the paint, carpets, dashboard, steering wheels, seat
covers, etc.  When that "New Car smell" is gone, the plastics
have completed their evaporation of aromatic components, and have begun to
become brittle.  Heat definitely accelerates this process, but this is not
common to "all plastics".


     Good luck...  M.

--- Msged/386 TE 06 (pre)