Series of 4-(4-substituted benzylideneamino)-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols were synthesized and their structures were confirmed. The synthesized Schiff bases were used as photostabilizers for polystyrene against photodegradation. Polystyrene polymeric films containing synthesized Schiff bases (0.5% by weight) were irradiated (λmax = 365 nm and light intensity = 6.43 × 10-9 ein·dm-3·s-1) at room temperature. The photostabilization effect of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols Schiff bases was determined using various methods. All the additives used enhanced the photostability of polystyrene films against irradiation compared with the result obtained in the absence of Schiff base. The Schiff bases can act as photostabilizers for polystyrene through the direct absorption of UV radiation and/or radical scavengers.
Keywords: 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol; Schiff bases; UV light; functional group index; photostabilization; polystyrene.