Degradation mechanism, free radical

Although photodegradation cannot proceed only by the radical mechanism, free radicals are nevertheless important intermediates in the photodegradation of polymers. The ESR technique is a most powerful method for detecting free radicals so that it is appropriate to use this technique to investigate the structure and behavior of the free radicals produced after UV irradiation in the hope that the results will elucidate the mechanism of the degradation of polymers. 

Polyamides, like other macromolecules, degrade as a result of mechanical stress either in the melt phase, in solution, or in the soHd state (124). Degradation in the fluid state is usually detected via a change in viscosity or molecular weight distribution (125). However, in the soHd state it is possible to observe the free radicals formed as a result of polymer chains breaking under the appHed stress. If the polymer is protected from oxygen, then alkyl radicals can be observed (126). However, if the sample is exposed to air then the radicals react with oxygen in a manner similar to thermo- and photooxidation. These reactions lead to the formation of microcracks, embrittlement, and fracture, which can eventually result in failure of the fiber, film, or plastic article. 

A related mechanism of degradation involves the direct interaction of the radioactive emission with other tracer molecules in the preparation. This phenomenon is likely to occur in high specific activity compounds stored at high radiochemical concentrations in the absence of free-radical scavengers. 

Additionally, organotin mercaptides can act as antioxidants, as they can sequester free-radical degradation mechanisms (48). The one drawback of mercaptide-based tin stabilizers is the discoloration of the sulfur after exposure to uv-radiation. Special precautions or formulations need to be developed for outdoor apphcations. 

Well before the advent of modern analytical instruments, it was demonstrated by chemical techniques that shear-induced polymer degradation occurred by homoly-tic bond scission. The presence of free radicals was detected photometrically after chemical reaction with a strong UV-absorbing radical scavenger like DPPH, or by analysis of the stable products formed from subsequent reactions of the generated radicals. The apparition of time-resolved ESR spectroscopy in the 1950s permitted identification of the structure of the macroradicals and elucidation of the kinetics and mechanisms of its formation and decay [15]. 

A general reaction mechanism for the grafting of MA onto EPM is given in Figure 13.3 [15,16]. Free-radical grafting of MA starts with the decomposition of the radical initiator, usually a peroxide [15,18]. The peroxide decomposes at elevated temperamres into the corresponding oxy radicals, which may further degrade to alkyl radicals and ketones. These oxy and alkyl radicals abstract... 

This effect is very important when working in blended compounds of NR blended with diene elastomer. The mechanical degradation of the NR produces broken chains with free-radical end... 

In summary, therefore, the evidence seems convincing that exercise modifies circulating and tissue concentrations of antioxidants and enzyme activities. It is much less certain that the fatigue or damage to skeletal muscle associated with various forms of excessive or unaccustomed exercise is initiated by free radical-mediated degradation. Considerably more work is required in this area to clarify the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. 

The major limitation of nitrate therapy is the development of tolerance with continuous use. The loss of anti-anginal effects may occur within the first 24 hours of continuous nitrate therapy. While the cause of tolerance is unclear, several mechanisms have been proposed. These include depletion of the sulfhydryl groups necessary for the conversion of nitrates to nitric oxide, activation of neurohormonal systems, increased intravascular volume, and generation of free radicals that degrade nitric oxide. The most effective method to avoid tolerance and maintain the anti-anginal efficacy of nitrates is to allow a daily nitrate-free interval of at least 8 to 12 hours. Nitrates do not provide protection from ischemia during the nitrate-free period. Therefore, the nitrate-free... 

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