Ethylene-propylene copolymers. Some aspects of thermal- and photo-degradation and stabilization

Abstract

Ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers exhibit diverse degradation behaviour under the influence of heat and light. This paper briefly reviews some aspects of thermal- and photo-degradation and stabilization of EP copolymers. The chemical and mechanistic aspects of degradation are emphasized. This understanding is especially critical in multiphase polymers such as high-impact heterophasic copolymers, thermoplastic elastomers and blends. Aspects of stabilization relevant to EP copolymers, with special reference to hindered-amine light stabilizers, are discussed.