No abstract

No abstract

The response of a HDPE, a L-LDPE and a PP homopolymer to processing conditions and processing stabilizer formulations in the 220'C to 280°C temperature range was investigated. The technique of multiple extrusion was used. Melt flow and melt flow ratio were measured after the first, third and fifth extrusion pass. In the case of the HDPE and the L-LDPE, degradation by cross-linking was the predominant reaction and the molecular weight distribution showed a significant broadening compared to the virgin samples. The PP homopolymer degraded by chain scission. By adding a multifunctional hindered phenol and a hydrolysis resistant phosphite, all polymers could be efficiently protected against degradation on processing. For the HDPE and the L-LDPE, increased amounts of phosphite provided increased processing stability at constant phenol concentration. A 4:l ratio of phosphite to phenol exhibited the best performance. The most efficient ratio for protecting melt flow of the PP homopolymer was found when a two to one ratio of phosphite to phenol was added.

Traditional stabilization systems for polypropylene are typically based on a binary combination of a phenolic antioxidant and a phosphorus based melt processing stabilizer. The phenolic antioxidant provides melt processing stability as a hydrogen atom donor and free radical scavenger; it also provides the polymer with some desired level of short-term or long-term thermal stability, simply for storage or throughout the lifetime of the final article. The phosphorus based melt processing stabilizer, usually a phosphite or phosphonite, functions as a hydroperoxide decomposer above the melting point of the polymer, during melt compounding and processing. Both chemistries work together synergistically to help maintain the original molecular architecture of the polymer.