Cross-linking oxidative degradation

Any side reaction should be reported and identified if possible side reactions include cross-linking, oxidation, and thermal degradation. 

Polypropylene differs from polyethylene in its chemical reactivity because of the presence of tertiary carbon atoms occurring alternately on the chain backbone. Of particular significance is the susceptibility of the polymer to oxidation at elevated temperatures. Some estimate of the difference between the two polymers can be obtained from Figure 1J.7, which compares- the rates of oxygen uptake of eaeh polymer at 93°C. Substantial improvements can be made by the inclusion of antioxidants and such additives are used in all commercial compounds. Whereas polyethylene cross-links on oxidation, polypropylene degrades to form lower molecular weight products. Similar effects are noted... 

This thiol-disulfide interconversion is a key part of numerous biological processes. WeTJ see in Chapter 26, for instance, that disulfide formation is involved in defining the structure and three-dimensional conformations of proteins, where disulfide "bridges" often form cross-links between q steine amino acid units in the protein chains. Disulfide formation is also involved in the process by which cells protect themselves from oxidative degradation. A cellular component called glutathione removes potentially harmful oxidants and is itself oxidized to glutathione disulfide in the process. Reduction back to the thiol requires the coenzyme flavin adenine dinucleotide (reduced), abbreviated FADH2. 

Cross-linking. In cross-linking the materials often improve before they begin to degrade otherwise, the results are the same as in the oxidative degradation. 

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