The invention is directed to olefin copolymers composed of nonhydrolyzable
monomer units and hydrolyzable monomer units, the latter resulting from
copolymerization of monomers containing a linkage that is hydrolytically
cleavable in the presence of aqueous base or aqueous acid. Generally, the
hydrolyzable monomer units represent a significant fraction of the
copolymer, such that upon hydrolysis, a substantial portion of the
copolymer is degraded into low molecular weight fragments. Also provided
are degradable articles that are at least partially composed of a
degradable copolymer in which hydrolyzable monomer units represent at
least 20 mole % of the copolymer. These degradable articles include
agricultural film products, adhesive tape substrates, bed linens,
containers, disposable absorbent articles, packaging materials, bags,
labels, pillow cases, protective clothing, surgical drapes, sponges,
tampon applicators, disposable syringes, temporary enclosures and
temporary siding, toys, wipes, foamed plastic products, and controlled
release pellets, strips and tabs.