Influence of polluted atmospheres on the natural aging of poly(vinyl chloride) stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil

Semirigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) samples, stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO), Zn, and Ca stearates, were exposed in Algiers (hot, Mediterranean climate) for 12 months in three sites where the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (NO_x, O₃, hydrocarbons) are known. The evolution of the mechanical properties (tensile test and shore D hardness) was followed according to the aging time. The modification structure of polymer was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results have shown that all the considered properties were affected. Furthermore, it seems that the O₃ exerted the most deleterious effect, followed by hydrocarbons and then by NO_x. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008