Course detail
Polymer degradation, stabilization and additivation
FCH-MC_DSAPAcad. year: 2025/2026
The lecture includes analysis of principle types of polymer degradation from the viewpoint of their mechanisms and kinetics - i.e. thermal degradation in inert media, termooxidative and photooxidative degradations, biodegradation and chemical degradation. It deals with mechanisms and kinetic aspects of inhibited oxidations, individual types of antioxidants, light stabilizers as well as with mechanisms of their action, mechanism of polymers burning and modes of flame retardation. From other classes of additives, there are described softeners, lubricants, antistatics, foaming agents, colours and pigments, fillers, reinforcements etc. Strategy of formulating complex additivation systems, environmental aspects, recycling and waste liquidation are also discussed.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
1st part - a written test
2nd part - an oral examination
none
Aims
1) Knowledge of basic principles and mechanisms of degradation of synthetic polymers
2) Knowledge of environmental impacts determining the life-span of synthetic polymer
3) Knowledge of test methods and testing conditions of polymers related to the intended application.
4) Ability of carrying out selection of polymers suitable for applications under given conditions
5) Ability of designing and evaluation of additive systems
6) Orientation in technical application capabilities of the most used commodity plastics
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
Gächter R., Müller H.: Plastics Additives Handbook. Carl Hanser Verlag, München 1993. (EN)
Hawkins W.L.: Polymer Stabilization. Wiley-Interscience, New York 1972. (EN)
-Pospíšil J.: Antioxidanty. Academia, nakladatelství Československé akademie věd, Praha 1968. (CS)
Scott G.: Mechanisms of Polymer Degradation and Stabilization. Elsevier S.P., Essex 1990. (EN)
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
2. Degradation of polymers during processing
3. UV degradation
4. Physical ageing of polymers
5. Stabilization of plastics
6. Additives for polymers (except of stabilizers)
7. Behaviour of additives in polymers
8. Evaluation of the polymer degradation
9. Predition of life-time of plastics, techniques of accelerating ageing
10. Burning of plastics
11. Techniques for the determination of polymer degradation
12. Controlled degradation and degradable polymers
13. Strategies for the additivation of polymers
Guided consultation in combined form of studies
Teacher / Lecturer