AbstractThe determination of the effectiveness of lead (Pb) and mercaptotin (MT) stabilizers on the useful service life of poly(vinyl chloride) PVC in outdoor applications, necessitates testing the mechanical properties of the polymer before and after weathering, to learn its behavior in the outdoor environment. Artificial weathering was used, and four mechanical tests were carried out, namely tensile, flexure, impact, and fracture toughness tests. The Pb stabilizer system used gave better fracture toughness and impact strength after exposure. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of MT‐stabilized specimens increased significantly after exposure, unlike Pb‐stabilized specimens. Brittleness in unplastisized PVC can be attributed to a number of factors, such as unsaturation, carbonyl group concentration, stabilized concentration, crystallinity, and extent of dehydrochlorination. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity increase in tin mercaptide stabilizers significantly with increased UV exposure, while the increase in Pb specimens is less significant. There is a continuous diminution of the percent of elongation at break in both types of Pb or MT specimens, with increased exposure. The ductility of Pb may be accounted for by PbO and Pb stearate (C17H35COO)2Pb. One of the possible causes for the brittleness of tin mercaptide stabilized specimens is antiplasticizat
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