Characteristic features of heterophase macromolecular chain reactions involving antioxidants in a non-crystalline polymer matrix

The principles of kinetic modelling of free-radical chain processes initiated in an amorphous polymer matrix are presented. The chemical modelling was based on a micellar-sponge model of the supermolecular structure, which takes into account the behaviour of the heterogeneous zones, differing in size and fluctuational dynamics of micropores forming these zones. The influence of antioxidants on chain processes is associated with the existence of conjugated reaction chains localised in various zones of chain-sponge micelles. Considerable attention is paid to the mechanism of autooxidation of polyalkenes, containing sterically hindered alkylphenols, during the induction period. The induction period preceding the oxidation of a polymer is considered as a stage involving chain co-oxidation of the antioxidant and the polymer, which follows zero- or first-order kinetics with respect to the antioxidant (alkylphenol) depending on its molecular structure. The bibliography includes 54 references.