The Influence of Weathering Conditions in the Evolution of Molecular Properties of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) for Outdoor Applications. An Analytical Study Using Techniques of Surface Analysis (SEM and XPS)

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study intended to assess the deterioration condition of extruded hard PVC plates, for outdoor applications. The plates were subject to different ageing conditions, using techniques of surface analysis, namely scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The development of formulations, the ageing and the subsequent characterisation by scanning electron microscopy were done in LNEC. The characterisation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was done at the Centre for Molecular Chemistry-Physics of Instituto Superior Técnico (Higher Technical Institute of Lisbon). Therefore, after a brief introduction, this paper presents the experimental part of the study, as regards the composition of samples and the experimental methods of deterioration and characterisation. Subsequently, the results of the study, their interpretation and the final conclusions are also presented.