A Study of the Role of Hydroperoxides in the Degradation and Stabilisation of Polymers

The photo-degradation mechanism of polyethylene was studied by means of functional group analysis using infrared spectroscopy. The rates of appearance and disappearance of key functional groups such as hydroperoxide, carbonyl, vinylidene, and vinyl formed during the photooxidation of the polymer were studied and compared. The effect of metal complexes, which are supposed to be effective photoactivators for the autoxidation of polyethylene, was also studied. The efficiency of these complexes as well as nitrobenzene and plant pigments as photoactivators in the autoxidation of natural rubber was looked into. The mechanism of action of nitrobenzene in natural rubber was found to be due to the generation of singlet oxygen; the latter causing depolymerisation of the polymer. The technological properties of the soft and viscid products thus obtained were also studied.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Ph.D.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Aston University

Year dc:date.issued

1977

Author dc:creator

• Tillerkeratne, Liyanarachchige M.K.

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.48780/publications.aston.ac.uk.00011582

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:publications.aston.ac.uk:11582