| Abstract: | The polymeric p-benzoquinone-tin derivatives obtained from the reaction of p-benzoquinone with tin tetrachloride in the absence of solvent have been investigated as thermal stabilizers for rigid PVC at 200°C by measuring the rate of dehydrochlorination. The results reveal the greater stabilizing efficiency of the investigated products in relation to dibutyltin maleate and the basic lead stabilizers commonly used in industry. Evidence has been accumulated that the quinone and metallic elements (Sn? Sn bonds) of the stabilizer participate in the stabilization process by trapping the radical intermediates of degradation and blocking the odd electron sites formed on the polymer chains. Although stabilizers with high quinone content provide greater stabilization in the early stages of degradation, their efficiency sharply decreases in subsequent stages. On the other hand, stabilizers of high tin content effectively prohibit the dehydrochlorination reaction at all stages of degradation. On an equivalent basis of metal content, the results clearly demonstrate the greater stabilizing efficiency of tin atoms when found in direct contact in the stabilizer molecule. The mechanism of stabilization suggested to account for the results obtained may be considered as additional evidence in support of the radical nature of the dehydrochlorination reaction. |
