June 1993 Additives for Polymers

Polymer Degradation & Stability, 1993, 40, (31, 33 7-341

Stability of additives in polythene and aliphatic polyamides

The solubility of diphenylamine, phenyl benzoate and diphenyl methane in high- density polyethylene and various polyamides has been studied as a function of oxidation and of sample annealing.

Oxidative destruction of topological structures forming the non-polar sorption centres and accumulation of new-formed polar groups, participating in sorption of polar compounds, result in complicated dependencies of solubility upon oxidation, in some cases showing minima. (8 refs). Polymer Degradation & Stability, 1993, 40, (3), 36368

Photolysis of a commercial hindered amine light stabilizer

The photolysis of a commercial hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) has been studied with a range of experimental methods. The results show that the stabilizer is easily photolyzed and photolysis mechanisms are proposed. (4 refs). Polymer Degradation & S&ability, 1993, 40, (3), 375-378

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

CFC-containing foams banned

EPA has promulgated a final rule banning the sale of plastic foams produced with chlorofluorocarbons as the blowing agent. The rule, effective 4 January 1994, implements a section of the Clean Air Act that prohibits non-essential products that use or contain the ozone-depleting chemicals CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and 1 ,l , I-trichlorothane, EPA believes that viable substitutes are available for both rigid and

flexible foams made for packaging, insulation and other applications.

Test data for EPA on fire retardants and crosslinking agents

According to TSCA Section 4(a) Test Rules, EPA is concerned about possible brominated dioxin species formation in the production of brominated aromatic flame retardants. EPA has received voluntary test data from AmeriBrom Inc on polybrominated dibenzo- dioxins and dibenzofurans analysis of tetrabromobisphenol-A and decabromo- diphenyl oxide, and the same from Great Lakes Chemical Corporation for the ally1 ether of tetrabromobisphenol-A. Also, data were received from CMA consisting of bone- marroiv micronucleus assay for 4-vinyl- cyclohexene, used as a cross-linker. These data were required by negotiated test rules under TSCA.

COMPANY NEWS

Elf Atochem in Chinese additives agreement

France’s Elf Atochem group and Beijing Chemical Industry Group have signed a contract to establish a joint venture for the manufacture of plastics additives. The new organization, called Beijing Elf Atochem Polystab, will produce and commercialize the existing range of organotin products from BCIGC with those manu-factured using Elf Atochem technology. The company is 60% owned by Elf Atochem with the remainder held by BCIGC. The materials are employed as stabilizers for PVC Contact: Elf A&hem, 4 tours Michelet, La Defense IO, F-92091 Paris La Defense, Cedex 42, France.

Bayer titanium dioxide manufacturing activities

Bayer AG’s Pigments and Ceramics Business

O1993 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd