ABSTRACT
The use of polymers in buildings as integrated components, e.g. barrier layers, is widespread. To protect polymers from degradation various additives are added. To fulfil their objectives properly the additives have to be mobile to some extent. However, too high a mobility leads to losses.
Five hindered phenol antioxidants, differing only in size of an inactive hydrocarbon tail, have been investigated regarding the transport processes, diffusion and desorption, in low density polyethylene (LDPE). Solid state FTIR- and UV-spectroscopy were used in the study.
The diffusion within the polymer was found to be rapid and quite independent of molecular size. The desorption, on the other hand, is very dependent on molecular size and it is very slow for the largest molecules.
Preliminary results concerning migration of additive from PE-ľilms to surrounding wooden material is also presented.
