| Abstract: | As a consequence of their excellent barrier properties, vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride copolymers have long been prominent in the flexible packaging market. While these polymers possess a number of superior characteristics, they tend to undergo thermally induced degradative dehydrochlorination at process temperatures. This degradation must be controlled to permit processing of the polymers. Three series of N‐substituted maleimides (N‐alkyl‐, N‐aralkyl‐, and N‐aryl‐) have been synthesized, characterized spectroscopically, and evaluated as potential stabilizers for a standard vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride (85 wt%) copolymer. As surface blends with the polymer, these compounds are ineffective as stabilizers. However, significant stabilization may be achieved by pretreatment of the polymer with N‐substituted maleimides. The most effective stabilization of the polymer is afforded by N‐aralkyl‐ or N‐arylmaleimides, most notably, N‐benzylmaleimide and N‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)maleimide. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL. 12:88–97, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers. |
