Polymer lifetime studies in hostile environments

Abstract

Abstract Photo‐oxidative degradation reactions are mainly responsible for reduced lifetime in polymers. These reactions are responsible for the decay in useful physical and chemical properties of polymers. In addition to high ultraviolet radiation doses, hostile environments have increased temperature, high humidity, and air‐borne sand. In this work white pigmented polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe sections were exposed to natural weather at seven different locations. Characterization studies were made on exposed samples using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic, gel permeation chromatographic (GPC), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. Performance characteristics were determined by testing changes in the mechanical properties. Functional groups introduced during the processing of PVC and irregularities in the polymer chain can be held responsible for the initiation and propagation of photo‐oxidative degradation reactions catalyzed by high surface temperature and increased humidity.