Polycarbodiimide synthesis optimization and its application as polymer stabilizer against degradation processes

Identificador:  TDX:2948

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2948

Autors:  Morell Garcia, Albert

Resum:
Carbodiimides are used as polymer stabilizers against degradation processes by reacting the new generated groups and rebuilding the polymer structure. This thesis is based in the carbodiimide synthesis mechanism study starting from isocyanates, and in the production process optimization to improve the final application results against degradation processes. For this reason the reaction mechanism has been studied by NMR spectroscopy, which has been made possible to identify the reaction intermediate. Moreover, a molecular weight study of the carbodiimide oligomers prepared has also been carried out. Finally, the carbodiimide samples prepared have been used as polymer stabilizing agents in polyester based polyurethanes and polypropylene, which have been used to study the carbodiimide behaviour once degradation processes are donde in these matrix. Knowing the little variety of catalyst able to carry out this conversion, a catalyst activity optimization has also been performed.