A mechanism of photo‐oxidative destruction for polythylene polymers in the presence of ferrocene derivative additives

Abstract

The effect of ferrocene additive concentrations on the stability of polyethylene polymers under atmospheric ageing and ultraviolet irradiation is reported. At concentrations under ca 5 X 1O-j mol kg-' polymer the ferrocene compound is shown to diminish pdymer resistance to light, whereas above this concentration such a compound stabilizes the polymeric matrix. Another purpose of the work is to look into the photo-oxidative destruction of polyethylene doped with ferrocene compound by using an EPR technique. A mechanism of photo-oxidative destruction of polyethylene polymers in the presence of ferrocene compounds is proposed.

Testing Methods of Weathered Specimen

“…Oxygen uptake can be studied by monitoring oxygen consumption in a closed manometric system, 167,185,196,219 by analysis of gas phase by GC, 541 or by titration of carboxylic groups or IR analysis. 167,185 In each case, samples must be exposed in a closed system which permits monitoring and control of the surrounding atmosphere.…”