The DOI matches its Crossref record; 102 of the 133 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Photodegradation and photostabilization of polymers, especially polystyrene: review
Open accessAbstract
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may cause the significant degradation of many materials. UV radiation causes photooxidative degradation which results in breaking of the polymer chains, produces free radical and reduces the molecular weight, causing deterioration of mechanical properties and leading to useless materials, after an unpredictable time. Polystyrene (PS), one of the most important material in the modern plastic industry, has been used all over the world, due to its excellent physical properties and low-cost. When polystyrene is subjected to UV irradiation in the presence of air, it undergoes a rapid yellowing and a gradual embrittlement. The mechanism of PS photolysis in the solid state (film) depends on the mobility of free radicals in the polymer matrix and their bimolecular recombination. Free hydrogen radicals diffuse very easily through the polymer matrix and combine in pairs or abstract hydrogen atoms from polymer molecule. Phenyl radical has limited mobility. They may abstract hydrogen from the near surrounding or combine with a polymer radical or with hydrogen radicals. Almost all synthetic polymers require stabilization against adverse environmental effects. It is necessary to find a means to reduce or prevent damage induced by environmental components such as heat, light or oxygen. The photostabilization of polymers may be achieved in many ways. The following stabilizing systems have been developed, which depend on the action of stabilizer: (1) light screeners, (2) UV absorbers, (3) excited-state quenchers, (4) peroxide decomposers, and (5) free radical scavengers; of these, it is generally believed that excited-state quenchers, peroxide decomposers, and free radical scavengers are the most effective. Research into degradation and ageing of polymers is extremely intensive and new materials are being synthesized with a pre-programmed lifetime. New stabilizers are becoming commercially available although their modes of action are sometimes not thoroughly elucidated. They target the many possible ways of polymer degradation: thermolysis, thermooxidation, photolysis, photooxidation, radiolysis etc. With the goal to increase lifetime of a particular polymeric material, two aspects of degradation are of particular importance: Storage conditions, and Addition of appropriate stabilizers. A profound knowledge of degradation mechanisms is needed to achieve the goal.
Overview
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Figures

















































Verification
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Physical and chemical changes in polymers can be caused by environmental factors including light (photo-oxidation), heat (photothermal oxidation), mechanical abrasion, moisture, chemical conditions or biological activity (fungi, bacteria, yeasts, algae, and their enzymes) 24,37,38 .”
From Environmental Deterioration of Biodegradable, Oxo-biodegradable, Compostable, and Conventional Plastic Carrier Bags in the Sea, Soil, and Open-Air Over a 3-Year Period (2019) · cites this paper as [38]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Citations
Cites
MacKnight, W. (1976) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.191.4233.1260-a · Cited by 9,566 · cited 1×
“…degradation of polymers, which include processes such as chain scission, crosslinking and secondary oxidative reactions, and takes place via radical processes , similar to thermal oxidation reactions (Ranby and Rabek 1981; Carlsson et al. 1976; Mc Kellar & Allen 1979; Rnby and Lucki 1980).”
Comprehensive Chemical Kinetics
Bamford, C., & Tipper, C. F. H. (1976) · doi:10.1016/s0069-8040(03)80001-8 · Cited by 1,705 · cited 1×
“Photooxidative degradation includes the following steps: (Rabek 1994; Rabek 1974; Guillet 1972a, 1972b).”
Physical properties of polymers handbook
Mark, J. (2007) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-0-387-69002-5 · Cited by 1,670
Mechanistic implications of plastic degradation
Singh, B., & Sharma, N. (2008) · Polymer Degradation and Stability · doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2007.11.008 · Cited by 1,569 · cited 1×
“Its hardness, hydrophobic nature and chemical composition cause it to persist in nature without any decomposition for long period of time thus cause environmental pollution Singh and Sharma (2008).”
Thermal characterization of polymeric materials
Turi, E. (1981) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.35-0290 · Cited by 1,472 · cited 4×
“from electronically excited carbonyl group to dissolved molecular oxygen Heskins and Guillet (1968). The quenching of [(1)O2] is also necessary for effective stabilization. Nickel chelates have been proven to be very effective quenchers for the excited state of [(1)O2] Schmitt and Hirt (1963).”
InfluentialPolymer Science and Technology
Fried, J. (1995) · Chemistry International · doi:10.1515/ci.2010.32.3.32a · Cited by 1,105
Physical properties of polymers handbook
(1996) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.34-2186 · Cited by 1,056 · cited 2×
“The decomposition of hydroperoxide in polymer to non radical derivatives was first demonstrated Carlsson and Wiles (1974). Many metal complexes of sulphur containing ligands such as dialkylthiocarbonate and dialkylthiophosphate not only decompose hydroxide in PE film but are also effective in UV stabilization (as UV a…”
Polymer Degradation and Stability
Peacock, A. J., & Calhoun, A. (2006) · doi:10.3139/9783446433434.009 · Cited by 607 · cited 1×
“Industrially, the yellow discoloration is an important adverse effect of the ageing of polystyrene, e.g. during exposure outdoors (Geuskens et al. 1978a, 1978b; Weir 1978; Lucki and Rnby 1979; Rnby and Lucki 1980).”
Synthesis and Characterization
Behrens, S., Bönnemann, H., Modrow, H., Kempter, V., Riehemann, W., Wiedenmann, A., Odenbach, S., Will, S., Thrams, L., Hergt, R., et al. (2009) · doi:10.1007/978-3-540-85387-9_1 · Cited by 555
Polymer Degradation and Stabilization
Hawkins, W. (1984) · Der Umweltschutz · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-69376-2 · Cited by 492
Research works printed but not linked: 49
- Abd MA, Abdul Zahra AAI, Shenta AA: Photostabilization of polystyrene films by anthraquinones derivatives and their complexes with copper (II), oxovanadium (IV) and nickel (II) ions. Journal of Basrah Researches 2009, 35(3):81-97.
- Aliwi SM: Photostabilization of low density polyethylene for green house application. Nat J chem 2001, 2: 280-302.
- Aliwi SM, AL-Ani RR, Awad DAJ: Photostabilization of polystyrene films by Nickel and Copper tetradentate Shiff base complexes. Iraqi journal polymer 2001, 5(1):15-30.
- Andrady AL: Advance Polymer Science.. 1997, 128: 49-94.
- Baloglu R, Fisch M: Polymer Degradation Stabilization. 1994, 45: 30-35.
- Beavan SW, Phillips D: Photostabilizing of macromolecule by excited state qyencher. Journal Photochem 1974, 3: 3149363. · DOI
- Bottino FA, Bottino G d P, Antonino P, Antonino R: Surface photostabilization of polystyrene by Tinuvin 1577. J of Appl Polym Sci 1999, 69(6):1251-1256. · DOI
- Bottino FA, Cinquegrani AR, Di Pasquale G, Leonardi L, Pollicino A: Chemical modification, mechanical properties and surface photooxidation of films of polystyrene. polymer testing. 2003, 12: 405-411.
- Bottino FA, Cinquegrani AR, Giovanna DD, Leonardi L, Antnino PA: Study on chemical modification, mechanical properties and surface photooxidation of films of polystyrene stabilized by hinderd amines (HAS), polymer testing. 2004, 23: 779-789.
- Cheremision NP: Hand Book of Engineering Polymeric Materials, chapter 8. New York; 1997. · DOI
- Dan E, Somersall AC, Guillet JE: Macromolecules, New York. 1973, 6: 228-230.
- Galdi A, Foltis P, Shah A: UV protecting composition and methods of use. Application: US patent; 2010:2010-118415.
- Geuskens G, David C: Polymer photodegradation: mechanisms and experimental methods. Pure Appl Chem 1979b, 51: 233-240. · DOI
- Gugumus F: Development in Polymer Stabilization-1. Edited by: Scott G. London: Applied Science Publishers Ltd; 1979:261.
- Gugumus F, Gachter R, Muller H (Eds): Plastics Additives. 2nd edition. Munich: Hanser; 1987:97-185.
- Guillet JE: Polymer photodegradation: mechanisms and experimental methods. Pure and ppl Chem 1972, 30: 135-144. · DOI
- Guillet J: Polymer Photophysics and Photochemistry. Cambridge University Press; 1985.
- Heller HJ: Photochemistry of dyed and pigmented polymers. Eurp Polymer J Supplement 1969, 99-105.
- Klopffer W: Polymer photodegradation: mechanisms and experimental methods. Eurpolym J 1975, 11: 203.
- Lamolla AA: Energy Transfer and Organic Photochemistry, chapter 2. In Technique of Organic Chemistry. Edited by: Lamolla AA, Turro NJ. New York: Wiley; 1969.
- Lawrence JB, Weir NA: Polymer photodegradation: mechanisms and experimental methods. J Polym Sci Al 1973, 11: 105-431.
- Mc Kellar JF, Allen NS: Photochemistry of Man-Made Polymers, Ltd. London 306 S: Applied Science Published; 1979:138.
- Mill TR, Richarason H, Mayo FR: J. Polym. Sci. Al. 1978, 11: 2899-2908.
- Patel P: Additive primer, blown films, cast films and extraction coating, PLACK conference. 2007, 16-20.
- Pospisil J, Habicher W, Zweifel H, Pilar J, Nespurek S, Piringer O: Polymer and polymer composites. AAA 2002, 10: 37-42.
- Potts JE: Plastic environmentally degradation, The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd edition. 1991. Supp. Vol
- Rabek JF: Mechanism of Photophysical Process and Photochemical Reaction in polymers. New York: John Wiley and Sons; 1987.
- Rabek JF: Polymer photodegradation–mechanism and experimental methods. London: Chapman and Haal; 1993.
- Rabek JF: Polymer Degradation Mechanisms and experimental methods. Stocholm: Springer; 1994.
- Rabek JF: Polymer photodegradation-mechanisms and experimental methods. Cambridge: Chapman Hall; 1995. · DOI
- Rabek JF: Polymer photodegradation of polymers: physical characteristic and applications. Beelin: Springer- verlag; 1996. · DOI
- Rabek JF, Ranby B: Polymer photophysics and photochemistry: an introduction to the study of Photoprocess of macromolecules. J Polym Sci Al 1974, 12: 273-281.
- Rabek JF, Ranby B: Photodegradation, photooxidation and Photostabilization of Polymers. New York: John Wiley; 1975.
- Rabie ST, Mahran AM, Kamel EM, Abdel Hamid NH: Photodegradation of polystyrene stabilized with uracil derivative. Journal of applied sciences research 2008, 4(12):2015-2026.
- Ranby BG, Rabek JF: Photodegradation, Photooxidation and Photostabilization of Polymers. London: John Wiley & Sons; 1975:101-102.
- Ranby B, Rabek JF: Photodegradation, Photooxidation and Photostabilization of Polymers. Wiley periodicals, Inc; 1975b:165-184.
- Ruoko : Uv light induced degradation of polyethylene and polystyrene – spectroscopic and DSC study. Msc thesis: Tampere University of Technology; 2012.
- Safy Eldin NM, El-laithy SA: Photooxidative degradation of polystyrene of cover signals lamp of some automobile. Journal of applied polymer science 1994, 55: 47-54.
- Sastre R, Catalina F, Mateo JL, Claremunt R, Santa-Maria MD, Catalan J: Mechanism of photostabilization of polystyrene film by dihydroxypirazoles. J of Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 2003, 28(13):3661-3668. · DOI
- Schnabel W: Polymer Degradation: Principle and Practical Applications. Chapter 14. München: Hanser Int; 1981.
- Senna M, Hamid H, Hussein M: Nuclear instrument methods. Phys Res Section B 2002, 187: 48-55.
- Strlic M, Kolar J: Aging and stabilization of papers. Turjaška 1, 1000 Slovenia: Distributed by the National and university Library; 2005.
- Trozzolo AM, Winslow FH: Macromolecules. American chemical society publishing 1968., 98:
- Watson WF: Principles of polymer engineering rheology. Trans IRI 1953, 29: 29-32.
- Willis PB: Investigation of test method material properties and processes for solar cell in capsulation, eighth annual report. 1984.
- Wypych G: Handbook of material weathering. 4th edition. Toronto: Chemtec Publishing; 2008.
- Yousif E: Photostabilization of PVC by inorganic complexes. LAP LAMBERT academic publishing; 2010.
- Yousif E: Photostabilization of thermoplastic polymers. Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing; 2012.
- Yousif E, Salimon J, Salih N: Photostability of poly (vinyl chloride). VDM Verlag: Dr. Muller publisher; 2011b. B
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 1,001–1,001 of 1,001
Costa, C. C., Andrade, G. R. S., & Almeida, L. E. (2018) · Matéria · doi:10.1590/s1517-707620180004.0598 · Cited by 3
“Thus, the absorbed energy is either converted into a less damaging form (such as heat) or the UV stabilizers reflect or scatter the radiation (as in the case of coatings) [24].”
Background
Metadata
- Authors
- Yousif, E., & Haddad, R.
- Affiliations
- Nahrain University (IQ)
- Corresponding author
- Yousif, Emad
- ORCID
- Yousif, Emad
- Venue
- SpringerPlus
- Published
- 2013-08-23
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 398-398
- ISSN
- 2193-1801 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC4320144
- OpenAlex
- W2122404351
- Cited by
- 1,503
- References
- 133
- Citations by year
- 2026: 182 · 2025: 215 · 2024: 211 · 2023: 192 · 2022: 157 · 2021: 162 · 2020: 131 · 2019: 95 · 2018: 60 · 2017: 43 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 1.54
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- SpringerPlus (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Al-Nahrain University
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Polymer Science and PVC
- Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Organic Chemistry › Photopolymerization techniques and applications
- Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Organic Chemistry › Free Radicals and Antioxidants
- Keywords
- photodegradation, photostabilization, polystyrene, ultraviolet radiation, photooxidation, free radicals, yellowing, embrittlement, photolysis mechanism, polymer stabilizers, UV absorbers, radical scavengers, polymer aging, storage conditions
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review