Effect of additions of metals and their derivatives upon the thermal degradations of polymers

The effect of additions of metals and of their halides and acetylacetonates on the thermal degradation of polymers [mainly, poly(methyl methacrilate)] has been studied by various physicochemical methods (thermogravimetry, NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy, X-ray structural analysis, DSC, etc.). The results are analysed in terms of the use of these additives in polymers as ecologically clean retardants. The bibliography includes 40 references.