The influence of transition metal salts on photo-oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide)

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 437 - 441
• Main Authors: Kaczmarek, Halina, Sionkowska, Alina, Kamińska, Alina, Kowalonek, Jolanta, Świątek, Małgorzata, Szalla, Aleksandra
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Crosslinking and degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Photo-oxidation; Photodegradation; Physicochemistry of polymers; Poly(ethylene oxide); Polymers and radiations; Transition metal salts; Photodegradation; Poly(ethylene oxide); Transition metal salts; Photo-oxidation; Ethylene oxide polymer; Reaction acceleration; Oxidative degradation; Concentration effect; Doped polymer; Transition metal Chlorides; Kinetic parameter; Experimental study; Photochemical degradation
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/S0141-3910(01)00125-2

The influence of iron (III), cobalt (II) or nickel (II) chlorides on photo-oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been investigated. The rates and efficiencies of photochemical reactions occurring in PEO containing small amounts (1–3%) of the transition metal chlorides were compared. The mechanism of reaction induced by UV-irradiation in doped PEO is discussed. The role of active Cl atoms and chlorine radical anion Cl
2
−
(formed in the first step of metal salt photolysis) in initiation of polymer degradation is pointed out. The iron salt was found to be the most effective agent accelerating PEO photodegradation.