Inhibiting discoloration of halogen-containing polymers after radiation

摘要

Disclosed is a method of inhibiting the discoloration of a halogen-containing polymer, particularly poly(vinyl chloride), after exposure to gamma radiation. About 0.0001 to about 5 wt % of a dithiocarbamate or a dithiophosphate stabilizer is added to the polymer. The stabilizer can be added during polymerization or during compounding. Also disclosed is a composition of a halogen-containing polymer and a dithiocarbamate or dithiophosphate stabilizer.