Effect of titanium compounds on thermooxidative properties of stabilized polypropylene

The effect of titanium compounds on thermooxidation stability of stabilized polypropylene was studied. It was found that the presence of titanium compounds shortens the induction period of PP oxidation. This phenomenon is brought about by the thermal reactions of titanium compounds with antioxidants which take place during polymer processing. The first step is the reaction of Ti? Cl with OH groups of phenolic antioxidant, which gives rise to a colored titanate and HCl. Hydrogen chloride functions as a Friedel-Crafts catalyst for degradation and dealkylation of phenolic antioxidants. The products of degradation have a very low stabilization efficiency. Hydrogen chloride acceptors suppress antioxidant degradation and increase the polymer stability even in the presence of small amounts of titanium compounds.