Abstract
Polystyrene is degraded, oxidized and discolored when exposed to sunlight under atmospheric conditions. The chemical effects are ascribed to hydroperoxy, hydroxyl and carbonyl group formation. Chemical and spectroscopic data are not specific enough for identification of these different groups. Therefore, we have studied the photo-oxidation of the model compound 2-phenyl—butane. The resulting oxidized compounds have been separated and analyzed using a combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Mechanisms for the photo-oxidation of the model compounds have been proposed. By comparing these results with photooxidation data for polystyrene film, conclusions on the oxidation and degradation of the polymer have been outlined, including the carbonyl and hydroxyl group formation. The yellowing of the polymer is largely caused by phenyl ring opening reactions, for which probable mechanisms are suggested.
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