Aging effects on polystyrene thin films containing high aromatic moiety compounds under UV irradiation
https://doi.org/10.32362/2410-6593-2025-20-4-310-323
EDN: QWUHUW
Abstract
Objectives. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation initiates a photo-oxidative degradation process in plastics that causes broken chemical bonds, weight loss, and weakened crosslinking, as well as the formation of free radicals and release of volatile substances. The work aims to study the influence of UV radiation on polystyrene films containing low concentrations of highly aromatic Schiff bases.
Methods. Utilizing the described casting technique, polystyrene films containing a small quantity of strong highly aromatic Schiff bases were produced. These films were then subjected to 300 h of UV irradiation. Following irradiation, analyses were conducted on the infrared spectra, weight loss, and surface morphology of the polystyrene.
Results. The surface of the sheets was initially smooth and free of wrinkles. However, following irradiation, remarkable morphological changes were observed as the surface became more uneven. Intentional perforations and imperfections introduced into the examined surfaces were used to indicate the degradation of the polymer matrices.
Conclusions. Highly aromatic Schiff bases act as photostabilizers to significantly reduce the extent of photodegradation in polystyrene films when compared to films with no additives.
About the Authors
Shahad M. HussainIraq
Shahad M. Hussain, Instructor, Department of Chemistry
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 57834372700
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Ahmed Ahmed
Iraq
Ahmed Ahmed, Dr. Sci., Professor, Department of Chemistry
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 57199491761
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Mohammed Kadhom
Iraq
Mohammed Kadhom, Assistant Professor, Department of Environment
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 57192541622
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Dina S. Ahmed
Iraq
Dina S. Ahmed, PhD Lecturer, Department of Chemical Industries
Baghdad
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Shams S. Hameed
Iraq
Shams S. Hameed, Instructor
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 59541622400
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Omar G. Mousa
Iraq
Omar G. Mousa, Instructor
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 57221945577
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Ahmed A. Ahmed
Iraq
Ahmed A. Ahmed, Dr. Sci., Professor
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 57446216800
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Muna Bufaroosha
United Arab Emirates
Muna Bufaroosha, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
Al-Ain
Scopus Author ID 57216961114
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Rahimi Yusop
Malaysia
Rahimi Yusop, Dr. Sci., Professor, School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology
Bangi, Selango
Scopus Author ID 36994895800
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
Emad Yousif
Iraq
Emad Yousif, Dr. Sci., Professor, Department of Chemistry
Baghdad
Scopus Author ID 26533612800
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflicts of interest
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Review
For citations:
Hussain Sh.M., Ahmed A., Kadhom M., Ahmed D.S., Hameed Sh.S., Mousa O.G., Ahmed A.A., Bufaroosha M., Yusop R., Yousif E. Aging effects on polystyrene thin films containing high aromatic moiety compounds under UV irradiation. Fine Chemical Technologies. 2025;20(4):310-323. https://doi.org/10.32362/2410-6593-2025-20-4-310-323. EDN: QWUHUW