CNSL is a mixture of meta-alkylphenols with variable degree of unsaturation attached to the benzene ring. The kinetic study of the thermal degradation at 140 °C of synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene film, in the presence of technical CNSL and some derivatives (cardanol, hydrogenated cardanol and alkylated hydrogenated cardanol) was carried out by FTIR. The amount of OH/OOH and C=O formed and also of C=C consumed during the degradation was determined. All materials increase the induction period and decrease the apparent rate constants of thermal-oxidation. Based on kinetic parameters, the order of antioxidant activity was: CNSL >> cardanol <FONT FACE=Symbol>@</FONT> hydrogenated and alkylated cardanol > hydrogenated cardanol. The effect of CNSL could be attributed to the extra contribution of the other components besides cardanol and to the unsaturation on the long side chain. This greater activity is important because CNSL is much more cost effective than its derivatives.
CNSL; phenol; polyisoprene; thermal oxidation; antioxidant
