The mechanism of photo- and thermooxidation of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) reconsidered

The weathering of polymers is reviewed with attention concentrated on the mechanisms of degradation and stabilization, the methods of testing weatherability, and the predictive modelling of weathering behaviour. An introduction to the chemical mechanisms of degradation and stabilization is given and reference made to some of the many reviews available in the literature. Significant emphasis is placed here on engineering aspects, such as the way that weathering influences fracture mechanisms. The difficulties associated with relating accelerated laboratory tests with outdoor service behaviour are discussed. The complexities of the degradation processes limit modelling of the rate of degradation to rather specific systems and the predictions cannot be generalized.

Weathering of polymers: mechanisms of degradation and stabilization, testing strategies and modelling

https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc785174/m2/1/high_res_d/8479.pdf

Correlation of Chemical and Mechanical Property Changes During Oxidative Degradation of Neoprene

Oxidation profiles of thermally aged nitrile rubber

Spatial effects in the photodegradation of poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene): a study by ATR-FTIR

The evolution of the photochemical degradation of ABS has been studied in conditions of long wavelength irradiation (λ's> 300 nm). The main photoproducts involved in the oxidative evolution have been identified by using FTIR spectroscopy and chemical titrations. A particular attention has been devoted to α–β unsaturated ketones that appear as secondary photoproducts. Those ketones present a low photochemical stability when exposed in the range 300–400 nm. Conditions for their formation have been experimentally studied. Formation of oxidation photoproducts has been also studied at the macroscopic level and it has been shown that their repartition in the polymer is heterogeneous. The origins of the heterogenities have been studied.

Xavier Jouan

Papers

Photooxidation of ABS of long‐wavelengths

Microspectrophotometric determinations of product ‘Profiles’ in photooxidized matrices