Course detail

Polymer degradation, stabilization and additivation

FCH-MC_DSAPAcad. year: 2025/2026

The lecture includes analysis of principle types of polymer degradation from the viewpoint of their mechanisms and kinetics - i.e. thermal degradation in inert media, termooxidative and photooxidative degradations, biodegradation and chemical degradation. It deals with mechanisms and kinetic aspects of inhibited oxidations, individual types of antioxidants, light stabilizers as well as with mechanisms of their action, mechanism of polymers burning and modes of flame retardation. From other classes of additives, there are described softeners, lubricants, antistatics, foaming agents, colours and pigments, fillers, reinforcements etc. Strategy of formulating complex additivation systems, environmental aspects, recycling and waste liquidation are also discussed.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Josef Petruš, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Entry knowledge

Examination from the lecture Macromolecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Examination
1st part - a written test
2nd part - an oral examination
none

Aims

The goal of the lecture “Degradation, Stabilization, and Additivation of Polymers” is to make students in the field of material chemistry familiar with mechanisms of polymer degradation as well as with possibilities and mechanisms of stabilization and additivation of polymers accordingly to the requirements of individual applications.
1) Knowledge of basic principles and mechanisms of degradation of synthetic polymers
2) Knowledge of environmental impacts determining the life-span of synthetic polymer
3) Knowledge of test methods and testing conditions of polymers related to the intended application.
4) Ability of carrying out selection of polymers suitable for applications under given conditions
5) Ability of designing and evaluation of additive systems
6) Orientation in technical application capabilities of the most used commodity plastics

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Doležel B.: Koroze plastických hmot a pryže. Státní nakladatelství technické literatury, Praha 1960. (CS)
Gächter R., Müller H.: Plastics Additives Handbook. Carl Hanser Verlag, München 1993. (EN)
Hawkins W.L.: Polymer Stabilization. Wiley-Interscience, New York 1972. (EN)
-Pospíšil J.: Antioxidanty. Academia, nakladatelství Československé akademie věd, Praha 1968. (CS)
Scott G.: Mechanisms of Polymer Degradation and Stabilization. Elsevier S.P., Essex 1990. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPCP_CHTM Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NKCP_CHTM Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Josef Petruš, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Oxidative degradation of polymers - mechanism and kinetics
2. Degradation of polymers during processing
3. UV degradation
4. Physical ageing of polymers
5. Stabilization of plastics
6. Additives for polymers (except of stabilizers)
7. Behaviour of additives in polymers
8. Evaluation of the polymer degradation
9. Predition of life-time of plastics, techniques of accelerating ageing
10. Burning of plastics
11. Techniques for the determination of polymer degradation
12. Controlled degradation and degradable polymers
13. Strategies for the additivation of polymers

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Josef Petruš, Ph.D.