High-temperature stabilization of polyolefines with hydroxides of alkali metals

This paper discusses polyolefines which are one of the main types of synthetic polymer materials. However, an important shortcoming is their low temperature resistance and heat stability, which reduce the processing efficiency and restrict their range of application. So far the study of high-temperature stabilization of polyolefines has been limited since solution of the problem involves some difficulties. In the case of polyolefine the use of stabilizers against thermal and light-oxidative degradation is not efficient since at high temperatures they easily decompose to form radical capable of initiating additional kinetic destruction chains. To date, few antioxidants and light stabilizers have been found that can partially inhibit thermal destruction of polyolefines. Hydroxides of alkali metals are shown to be high-temperature stabilizers of polyethylene. Potassium hydroxide is found to be most efficient. The reaction mechanism of alkali metal hydroxides as thermal stabilizers is considered.