Photo-stabilisation of polypropylene by a hindered piperidine compound: Influence of hydroperoxide and carbonyl groups

The influence of prior thermally generated hydroperoxides and added benzophenone on the photo-stabilising action of a hindered piperidine compound, bis2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl]-sebacate, in polypropylene film has been examined. The hindered piperidine compound was found to effectively inhibit both the hydroperoxide and carbonyl group sensitised photo-oxidation of the polymer. Using ESR spectroscopy, evidence is presented to show that the hindered piperidine compound reacts stoichiometrically with the hydroperoxide groups generated by thermal oxidation to give a stable nitroxyl radical. The photo-stabilising effects observed are discussed in relation to our understanding of the ultraviolet anti-oxidant action of the hindered piperidine systems.