Inhibitive effects of transition metal thiopicoline anilides on the photo-oxidative degradation of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1, 4-phenylene oxide) films

Abstract

The changes of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) films under u.v. light were investigated. The inhibitive effects of transition metal (Zn, Cr) thiopicoline anilides on the photo-oxidative degradation, both in the presence and absence of copper stearate as oxidation accelerator, were examined. In both cases Zn(II) and Cr(III) thiopicoline anilides showed a pronounced inhibitive effect on the degradation of the polymer, especially the Zn compound. The inhibitive action of these additives is discussed from the viewpoint of molecular weight, elongation, gel, carbonyl and hydroperoxide content of the polymer.