Thermal ageing of a silane-crosslinked polyethylene stabilised with an excess of Irganox 1076?

This work focuses on the thermal ageing in air of a silane-crosslinked polyethylene stabilised with an excess phenolic antioxidant (Irganox 1076®) temperature range between 87°C and 130°C. In such case, it was shown previous works that is present two physical states: dissolved polymer matrix exuded at sample surface under form crystals. The purpose was, particular, to investigate role stabilisation process polymer. On this purpose, pure crystals (i.e. commercial powder) only antioxidants concentration lower than solubility threshold) were investigated 130°C isolate elucidate behaviour each phase. For all three studied samples, quinone methide cinnamate species formed through chemical consumption antioxidants. both samples (with excess, or not, antioxidants), similar behaviours observed term depletion. although some also detected, initial depletion essentially due its loss evaporation. addition, cases, oxidation after almost total without any additional induction period. comparison periods obtained for these showed efficiently participates during ageing, which could be further solubilisation exposure.