Ways of poly (vinyl chloride) stabilization

Main results of research on poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) stabilization are discussed. Stabilization is viewed from the standpoint of the modern notions of the reasons for PVC low thermal stability, the complicated nature of its dehydrochlorination, and the kinetics of its degradation. The internal unsaturated oxygen‐containing groups of ∼C(O)CHCHCHCl∼ type are regarded as the main source of the polymer instability. Typical processes resulting in PVC stabilization, such as the substitution of labile chlorine atoms and the destruction of initial active sites during reactions with various chemical agents, as well as the kinetic aspects of stabilizers' effect on HCl elimination and PVC macromolecules crosslinkage are considered. The influence of additives on the polymer coloration is estimated.