The oxidative degradation of styrenic copolymers: A comparison of photoproducts formation under natural and accelerated conditions

Abstract Natural and accelerated weathering of polystyrene and high‐impact polystyrene were carried out in the present investigation. The structural changes in the polymer samples were characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, tensile strength testing, and SEM spectroscopy. The natural exposure was conducted throughout the year. Rates of photooxidation were determined by measuring the evaluation in hydroxyl and carbonyl regions. The surface deterioration was revealed from SEM micrographs. The drop in tensile strength was also monitored. A correlation between natural and artificial weathering was considered for lifetime prediction in a short exposure time. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1676–1682, 2002