Abstract

Abstract Thin films of polystyrene (PS) and styrene–maleic anhydride copolymer (St-MAn) were exposed to monochromatic UV radiation (254 nm) for varied time intervals. The course of photochemical transformations was monitored by absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR, UV–vis) and thermogravimetry, which were also applied for the estimation of the thermal stability of samples studied. The changes of surface properties were monitored by contact angle measurements. Changes in chemical structure were found in irradiated films (inside and at the surface). The efficiency of photooxidative degradation in St-MAn copolymer was slightly lower than that in PS homopolymer but photo-crosslinking and chromophore formation were enhanced. An increase of hydrophilicity and oxidation degree in UV-irradiated samples was accompanied by destruction processes. The thermal stability of St-MAn was lower in comparison to polystyrene alone. The mechanism of photochemical reactions in the copolymer is proposed.

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