Weakened bonds in polymer degradation intermediates as probable sites of macromolecular scission

Bond strengths in macroradicals and hydroperoxides of polypropylene and polystyrene have been estimated using quantrum chemical methods. Both secondary and tertiary polypropylene oxy macroradicals have been found to be clearly inclined to P-scission of main chains. Bond strengths in the main chain of polystyrene alkyl macroradicals proved to be almost unchanged in comparison with initial macromolecule. Among oxygen-containing polystyrene intermediates the most degradable ones seem to be secondary oxy and secondary peroxy macroradicals.