Examining the Effects of Environmental Degradation

This project will examine the effects of environmental degradation on the optical properties of manuafactred fibers. This study investigates the effects of such degradation on the optical properties of selected fibers (polylactic acid, azlon, and rayon). Environmental conditions such as exposure to water (saltwater and freshwater), UV light, and hot and cold temperatures will be explored while documenting any change in optical properties. Polarized light microscopy observations including morphology, pleochroism, refractive index, dispersion, birefringence, extinction characteristics, sign of elongation, solubility, and thermal behavior would be monitored throughout two years of exposure to these conditions. ca/ncf