Catalyzed degradation of poly(vinylchloride). III. Zinc(II) chloride catalysis

Abstract

Abstract When PVC films containing zinc(II) chloride were heated in the temperature range 65–95°C, broad absorptions developed in the 250–900 nm region with maxima around 610 nm. The development of the color, the rate of which was proportional to the ZnCl 2 content, was preceded by an induction period, the length of which depended on the temperature. The activation energy of the process decreased as the ZnCl 2 content of the film increased. Color developments in air and in vacuum were compared.