Analysis of degradation mechanism of plasticized PVC under artificial aging conditions

A plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has the advantage of low cost, long-term stability and flame resistance among other commodity plastic, and has been in service as a product in railway field. However, the transition of the plasticizer concentration through the degrading condition and its relationship with the mechanical properties, the molecular motion, the appearance of surface and other properties was not clear. These relationships were studied by means of Rheovibron, pulse NMR, GC/MS, GPC, SEM and other methods. The bulk properties show similar change between weathering and thermal aging. In addition, the molecular chain was little influenced, however, the plasticizer concentration shows obviously different transition through each phase of aging conditions. According to the results of the observation of surface and section, different appearances between weathering and thermal aging were indicated and these appearances closely relate to the bulk properties. In conclusion, through the weathering condition, a stepwise flow out of inorganic components and plasticizer was presumable to be a main mechanism of the degradation. On the other hand, through the thermal aging condition, the rearrangement and aggregation of the molecular chain by the annealing effect were conceivable as the main mechanism of the degradation.