Photostabilization of poly(vinyl chloride) – Still on the run

Over the past decades the production and consumption of polymeric materials has been increasing rapidly. Many of these polymers are used for outdoor applications, for example in automobilers, greenhouses, and fibers for ropes. Over the past years the list of demands for these applications have grown. To meet these requirements, new polymers can be developed, or the current polymers can be modified to improve their properties. One of the disadvantage of using polymers, is that they degrade when they are used in high temperature conditions or in outdoor applications. When polymers are used in outdoor applications, the environment negatively influences the service life. This process is called weathering.