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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. Hussain
College of Science, Al-Nahrain University
Iraq

Shahad M. Hussain, Instructor, Department of Chemistry

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 57834372700

 


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Ahmed Ahmed
College of Science, Al-Nahrain University
Iraq

Ahmed Ahmed, Dr. Sci., Professor, Department of Chemistry

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 57199491761


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Mohammed Kadhom
College of Energy and Environmental Science, Al-Karkh University of Science
Iraq

Mohammed Kadhom, Assistant Professor, Department of Environment

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 57192541622

 


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Dina S. Ahmed
Institute of Technology-Baghdad, Middle Technical University
Iraq

Dina S. Ahmed, PhD Lecturer, Department of Chemical Industries

Baghdad


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Shams S. Hameed
General Directorate of Education Baghdad, Karkh 1, Ministry of Education
Iraq

Shams S. Hameed, Instructor

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 59541622400


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Omar G. Mousa
General Directorate of Education Baghdad, Resafa 1, Ministry of Education
Iraq

Omar G. Mousa, Instructor

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 57221945577


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Ahmed A. Ahmed
Polymer Research Unit, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University
Iraq

Ahmed A. Ahmed, Dr. Sci., Professor

Baghdad

Scopus Author ID 57446216800


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflicts of interest



Muna Bufaroosha
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University
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
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
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
College of Science, Al-Nahrain University
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

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