Open AccessEffect of Pro Oxidant Agents on the Ageing of Polypropylene
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of sustainable water and environmental systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1923-7545
DOI - 10.5383/swes.7.02.001
Subject(s) - fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , polypropylene , shore durometer , ageing , stearate , ultimate tensile strength , materials science , calcium stearate , chemistry , nuclear chemistry , tensile testing , chemical engineering , composite material , organic chemistry , biology , raw material , engineering , genetics
The aim of this work is to study the influence of pro oxidant agents on the natural ageing of polypropylene (PP). For that purpose, two formulations containing, respectively, 5 wt % of Ca stearate and Ca/Zn complex as pro oxidant agents were prepared and exposed during 18 months to exterior natural conditions of Mediterranean climate. For comparison, a control formulation based only on PP was prepared. Samples were taken off every three months and characterized. The evolution of mechanical properties was followed by tensile test and Shore D hardness while the chemical modifications were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that all the considered formulations were affected but those containing the pro oxidant agents were the most affected. Moreover, Ca stearate is more effective than Ca/Zn complex as pro oxidant agent.