Photooxidative degradation of cis 1,4-polybutadiene in diluted benzene
solution and benzene/hydrogen peroxide emulsion have been examinated
using viscosimetry, GPC, FTIR, UV-Vis spectrometry and iodometric titr
ation. Efficient photooxidation and photodegradation of PB in presence
of hydrogen peroxide was observed. The acceleration effect of photopr
ocesses in PB is caused by hydroxy (HO.) and hydroperoxide (HOO.) radi
cals. The mechanism of PB reactions with free radicals proceeding from
hydrogen peroxide and influence of benzene on photodegradation of PB
have been discussed.