Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 12 - Additives in plastics

12.1.9.Heat stabilizers
The thermal decomposition of plastics under certain conditions follows a somewhat similar path to that caused by oxidation. There is close relationship between the two reactions, oxidation being catalyzed by heat and thermal decomposition being catalysed by oxygen.
Some polymers such as low density polythene and Nylon are stable enough not to require heat stabilizers. However high density polyethylene, PP and PVC may require significant quantities.