Mechanisms of photooxidation of polyolefins

The mechanisms of photooxidation usually envisaged, are perfected by taking into account photoreactions of peroxy radicals. They involve interaction of a peroxy radical with the polymer to yield a hydroperoxy radical and a pair of macroradicals. After peroxidation, this pair will usually undergo bimolecular termination. The influence of such a reaction on photooxidation kinetics is particularly important for polyethylene. Then, chain termination occurs mainly by interaction of two hydroperoxy radicals or of a hydroperoxy radical with a macroperoxy radical. The reaction does not only affect kinetics of photooxidation but also the nature of the photooxidation products. The latter is more important for polypropylene than for polyethylene.