Magagula, BhekiNhlapo, N.S. (Nontete Suzan)Focke, Walter Wilhelm2010-12-142010-12-142009-03Magagula, B, Nhlapo, N & Focke, WW 2009, 'Mn2Al-LDH- and Co2Al-LDH-stearate as photodegradants for LDPE film', Polymer Degradation and Stability, vol. 94, pp. 947-954. [www.elsevier.com/locate/polydegstab]0141-391010.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.03.007http://hdl.handle.net/2263/15437The layered double hydroxides (LDH) Mn2Al-LDH-stearate and Co2Al-LDH-stearate were prepared by a surfactant-assisted intercalation of the corresponding precursor LDH-CO3 forms. These compounds were evaluated as potential photodegradant additives in low density polyethylene films with a thickness of ca. 40 mm. They were incorporated into blown polyethylene films via a 10% masterbatch. The films were subjected to accelerated ageing in a QUV weatherometer. The machine was fitted with A320 lamps and operated on a dry cycle at 63 C and an irradiance of 0.67 W/m2. It was found that 100 h of QUV exposure was sufficient to cause mechanical embrittlement of films containing as little as 0.1% of either active additive.enElsevierLayered double hydroxide (LDH)CobaltManganesePhotodegradationPolyethyleneStearatesPhotodegradationPhotography -- FilmsPolyethylenePostprint Article