Highlights in chemistry and physics of polymer stabilization

Deactivation of free radicals, hydroperoxides and harmful solar radiation are the principal mechanisms increasing stability of commodity and engineering polymers. The stabilization process is accompanied by transformations of individual additives. New compounds influence specifically the integral protecting mechanism. Products contributing to the stability are most beneficial. Mechanistic data are used for optimisation of the inherent chemical efficiency and physical persistence and for explanation of deactivation of stabilizers.