Study of Ashes from Pachystroma longifolium Leaf as Stabilizer For PVC Exposed to γ‐Irradiation

Abstract

We describe the use of Pachystroma longifolium (Nees) I. M. Johnst, commonly called canxim, as a radiolytic stabilizer of PVC exposed to γ‐irradiation. Results obtained by viscosity analysis shows that ashes from canxim leaves at the concentration of 0.7 wt% provided macromolecular radioprotective action of 88.2% to the PVC. FT‐IR spectra analysis reveals the existence of specific intermolecular interactions between PVC and canxim ashes. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis shows that canxim can also be a potential thermal stabilizer for PVC matrix. Hence, we suggest that canxim have interesting applications in radiolytic and thermal stabilization of PVC.