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Staining techniques for detecting localized oxidation in high density polyethylene powders and films
Author(s) -
Scheirs J.,
Delatycki O.,
Bigger S. W.,
Billingham N. C.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.4990260311
Subject(s) - high density polyethylene , staining , polyethylene , polymer , conjugated system , sulfuric acid , reagent , materials science , macromolecule , solvent , polymer chemistry , chemistry , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , biochemistry , biology , engineering , genetics
Staining techniques, which reveal the heterogeneous nature of polymer oxidation, are reviewed. A sensitive staining technique is described which identifies the location and distribution of partially oxidized areas within the morphological structure of high density polyethylene (HDPE) powders and films. Gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) reacts specifically with the hydroperoxide groups in oxidized HDPE, producing macromolecular sulfates. Subsequent heating leads to the elimination of sulfuric acid and the formation of conjugated sequences along the polymer chains. Such conjugated regions can be readily identified using ultraviolet microscopy. The staining of oxidized polymers with gaseous reagents avoids problems, like extraction of oligomeric material, which are encountered when using conventional solvent‐based methods, e.g. 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine staining.