New aspects of the problem of the ageing and stabilisation of polymers

The results of the most recent studies in the field of the ageing and stabilisation of polymers are presented. The review deals with the questions of the photo-ozone and radiation induced ageing of polymers, and thermo-oxidative degradation and stabilisation of elastomers, various aspects of the interaction of polymers with corrosive media, the problems of the synthesis and efficiency of natural and synthetic stabilisers, and various applications of polymers and polymer blends. New approaches and methods for the investigation of the degradation of polymers are described. The bibliography includes 78 references.