TG/FT-IR studies of poly(vinyl chloride) blends

Thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG/F T-IR) was used to investigate the stabilizing action of 3-(2,4-dibromopheny lazo)-9-(2,3-epoxypropane)carbazole on the degradation of poly(vinyl chlori de) (PVC). It was found that this secondary stabilizer increases the initia l temperature of hydrogen chloride evolution (the main process responsible for PVC decomposition), thereby allowing its application for novel PVC syst ems with enhanced thermal stability. The application of TG/FT-IR technique for study of the thermal properties of polymeric materials offers additiona l characterization options in comparison with thermogravimetry, if used alo ne.