| Abstract: | Antioxidants acting in polymers by chain-breaking and hydroperoxide decomposing mechanisms are chemically transformed during the stabilization process as a consequence of trapping radicals R?, RO? or RO and/or reactivity with hydroperoxides. New chemical compounds with typical structures characteristic of the starting stabilizer are formed stepwise in the polymer mass. Most of these transformation products participate actively in consecutive steps of polymer degradation. Finally observed phenomena depend on the concentration of individual transformation products. Generally, autocooperative effects with starting stabilizers take place. Important data regarding properties of transformation products have been summarized. |
