Effect of the chemical stabilization system on the photooxidation of polypropylene containing talc and carbon black

Abstract

The effect of different chemical stabilization systems on the photooxidation of polypropylene modified with talc and carbon black was studied by changes in mechanical properties, multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy (MIR-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 2100 h of accelerated weathering exposure. This accelerated weathering exposure is adequate for simulating the behavior of samples with short life-times. The results showed that because of only slight changes in mechanical behavior, it was not possible to distinguish between the performance of the compositions in relation to the degradation process. However, development of carbonyl groups measured by MIR-IR and observation of the surface by SEM showed that the compositions are susceptible in different ways to damage caused by photooxidation.