Photostabilizing efficiency of PVC based on epoxidized oleic acid

The photostabilization of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) films by epoxidized oleic acid compounds was investigated. The PVC films containing concentration of complexes 0.5% by weight were produced by the casting method from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. The photostabilization activities of these compounds were determined by monitoring the carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl indices with irradiation time. The changes in viscosity average molecular weight of PVC with irradiation time were also tracked (using THF as a solvent). The quantum yield of the chain scission (Φcs) of these complexes in PVC films was evaluated and found to range between 4.98´10-8 and 8.72´10-8. According to the experimental results obtained, mechanisms were suggested depending on the structure of the additive (oleic acid).