Chain Scission of Polymers by Small Concentrations (1 to 5 ppm) of Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide, Respectively, in Presence of Air and Near Ultraviolet Radiation

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Abstract
Results are presented as to the extent of chain scission (crosslinking) suffered by various polymers exposed to 1 atm of air and near ultraviolet light (λ > 2800 Å) in presence and absence of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, respectively, in the concentration range of 1 to 5 ppm. Vinyl polymers are scarcely affected by SO2 and NO2, respectively; however, nylon and elastomers are quite sensitive toward these gases. These conclusions agree with observations, found in the literature, on tensile tests, elongations, flexibilities, and infrared measurements in presence of sulfur dioxide under similar conditions.