Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
The oxidative stability of poly(butylene terephthalate) was investigated over the range 175 to 220 °C by isothermal differential calorimetry. It is shown that this property is affected by a fast recrystallization process, which takes place between 200 and 220 °C, with a maximum around 208 °C. In fact, recrystallization produces an increase of the crystallinity degree of the polymer, which enhances its resistance to oxidation, as proven by the longer oxidation times detected.