ABSTRACT
It is important to note that while stabilizers can be divided into categories based on functionality, degradation of many polymers often occurs through sequential processes. For example, ultraviolet radiation will typically split bonds in many types of polymers. The broken chain ends are made reactive as a result and will typically react with ambient oxygen. Thus, ultraviolet energy indirectly causes oxidation. Protection of a polymer exposed to strong sunlight, for example, may be sufficiently protected with an ultraviolet inhibitor in the absence of an antioxidant; however, an antioxidant alone would not prevent polymer degradation. While oxidation may not occur, chain scission would progress, resulting in crazing and cracking of the polymer.
