The use of Oxygen Induction Time (OIT) for understanding polyolefin degradation: strengths and limitations

The degradation of polymers such as polyolefins is generally associated with changes in the polymer’s chains (oxidation, reduction in the chain length....). These changes can be directly measured using physicochemical characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Over the course of a root cause failure analysis, (OIT) can be performed to obtain additional information about polymeric components and their resistance to aggressive environments. The limitations and the usefulness of the OIT test and how it can be best combined with other techniques will be discussed. Examples of OIT results in real life cases will also be presented.