EFFECT OF METAL-OXIDES ON THE THERMAL-DEGRADATION OF HIGH-IMPACT POLYSTYRENE

The kinetic parameters for the thermal degradation of high impact poly styrene (HIPS) in presence of some metal oxides exhibit reaction rate compensation effect. In thermal degradation of HIPS in presence of tra nsition metal oxides different active centers act simultaneously as re action sites and macroradicals are formed through random chain scissio n, disproportionation or cyclization. Some oxides retard the polymer d egradation through crosslinking and cyclization by the interaction of macroradicals with the double bond in butadiene.