Oxidation and stabilization of hydrocarbon polymers: Relationships, new aspects and unsolved problems

摘要

AbstractOxidation processes involved in processing, atmospheric ageing and the pre‐burning stages of hydrocarbon polymers are outlined. Open problems based on up‐to‐date knowledge of the mechanisms of oxidation and stabilization processes are considered. Stabilizers used to assist processing and long‐term stability are transformed during their service‐time. Some of the products thus formed, as well as the products of polymer oxidation, should be considered as inherent impurities of polymers and play an active role in the degradation. Because of safety consideration, some of the products have to be protected also against catastrophic oxidation, i.e. burning. Significant changes in the mechanisms of degradation take place in the pre‐burning step in the phases of high temperature oxidation and oxidative pyrolysis. Fuller understanding of the mutual relationships in the mixtures of antioxidants and/or light stabilizers with flame‐retardan