noun
- a chemical reaction in which a substance is oxidized when exposed to light, often resulting in degradation or discoloration
Usage: technical; chemistry
Examples
- Photooxidation of plastics exposed to sunlight causes them to become brittle and discolored over time.
- The photooxidation process is a major concern for the long-term storage of sensitive materials outdoors.
- Researchers studied photooxidation in polymers to develop more UV-resistant products.
- Photooxidation can occur in food packaging when exposed to light, affecting product quality.
- The rate of photooxidation increases with higher light intensity and temperature.