Photochemical aging and processability of life-time-controlled polystyrene/high-impact polystyrene blends

This work investigated the influence of the addition of acetophenone and benzophenone (2.5 and 5%) on the photodegradability of polystyrene/high-impact polystyrene blends (50/50 w/w) prepared by sheet extrusion, aiming to improve their decomposition during exposure to a natural environment. The modified materials were submitted to photodegradation under controlled conditions, and the extent of degradation was monitored by suitable characterization techniques, such as infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, viscosimetry, and measurements of the mechanical properties. The processability of the modified blends was also studied by capillary and oscillatory rheometry. Evidence for the formation of hydroperoxides and carbonyl groups, the occurrence of chain scission, and the loss of mechanical properties was achieved, being greater for samples with benzophenone. It was also observed that for the same ketone level, benzophenone caused greater changes in the mechanical properties, and this was in agreement with the decrease in the molecular weight observed. Thus, the addition of this type of chemical compound could enhance the photodegradability of polystyrene/high-impact polystyrene blends without a significant effect on their processability and mechanical performance. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.