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.