photo-degradation
Photo-degradation is a process where materials, particularly plastics, break down when exposed to sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight cause chemical changes in the material, leading to its deterioration. This process can result in the release of harmful substances into the environment.
This phenomenon is significant in addressing environmental issues, as many products, like plastic bags and bottles, can take hundreds of years to decompose naturally. By understanding photo-degradation, researchers aim to develop more sustainable materials that can degrade more quickly and safely when exposed to sunlight.