Metal free, white LED induced, room temperature degradation of methyl methacrylate - Methyl haloacrylate copolymers

Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a well-established and widely used commodity plastic. Since it only contains non-reactive C–C bonds through the main chain, depolymerization and degradation conditions can be severe. As we are moving towards a self-sustainable world, requirements for new, green, and eco-friendly degradation methods emerge. Herein we utilize the efficient nature of light in the field of degradation and report a white LED-induced and metal-free method for the degradation of PMMA derivatives containing halogens at the main chain. As organodyes, erythrosin B, eosin Y and 10-phenylphenothiazine were employed and overall effects on degradation were examined and reported. The physical properties of synthesized copolymers and the kinetics of the method were investigated by DSC, TGA, ¹H NMR and GPC analyses. Degradations up to 80% were observed at ambient temperature.