Abstract
The most recent information on the kinetic mechanisms of the degradation of polymers and methods of stabilising different classes of polymer materials is presented. Progress in the field of thermal, thermooxidative, ozone, photo-oxidative, radiation, mechanically initiated, hydrolytic, and biological degradation of polymers is reviewed. The problems in predicting the stability of polymers, their blends, and certain composite materials during storage and use are discussed. New methods of studying degradation processes are described. The effect of the specific nature of the solid state on reactions in a polymer matrix is examined. The bibliography includes 145 references.