Semirigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) samples, stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO), Zn, and Ca stearates, were exposed in Algiers (hot, Mediterranean climate) for 12 months in three sites where the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (NO x , O 3 , hydrocarbons) are known. The evolution of the mechanical properties (tensile test and shore D hardness) was followed according to the aging time. The modification structure of polymer was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results have shown that all the considered properties were affected. Furthermore, it seems that the O 3 exerted the most deleterious effect, followed by hydrocarbons and then by NO x .

The aim of this work was to study the natural aging of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil and Ca/Zn stearates. For that purpose, PVC samples were exposed in Algiers (hot Mediterranean climate) in two sites where the concentration of atmospheric pollutants (NO 2 and O 3 ) was known for 2 years. Site I contained NO 2 and O 3 , and site II contained only NO 2 . Samples were taken off every four months and characterized (mechanical properties and chemical modifications). The results showed a drop in tensile properties and an increase in Shore D hardness. The UV-Visible spectra evidenced the formation of short polyenes. Chemical structures due to the degradation were evidenced by ATR and transmission FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the combination of O 3 and NO 2 exerted the most deleterious effect.

Objective: The objective of this work is the study of artificial ageing of semi-rigid and plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO) as biobased derivative in combination with zinc and calcium stearates. Materials and Methods: For comparison, a formulation of PVC plasticized and stabilized with epoxidized soya bean oil (ESBO) was considered. Artificial ageing was carried out during the 304 hours. Samples were taken off after: 48, 146, 234 and 304 hours and then characterized. The evolution of density, glass transition temperature and morphology, was followed as a function of the time. The structural modifications of polymer were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance and transmission modes. Results: The results showed a little decrease of density, a considerable increase of the glass transition temperatures values and a change of morphology. All changes in the properties of PVC relate to formation of new chemical structures. Conclusion: Globally, it was found that ESO exhibited similar performances to those of ESBO