Spectroscopic, Physical and Topography of Photochemical Process of PVC Films in the Presence of Schiff Base Metal Complexes

The photostability of poly(vinyl chloride), PVC, containing various Schiff base metal complexes (0.5% by weight) was investigated. Various indices corresponding to a number of functional groups were monitored with irradiation of polymeric films to determine their photostabilization activities. The quantum yield of the chain scission (Φcs) of modified polymeric films was found to be (1.15–4.65) × 106. The surface morphology of a PVC sample was investigated by the use of atomic force microscope (AFM). The photostability of PVC films in the presence of Schiff base additives was found to follow the following order: PVC < PVC + CuL2 < PVC + CdL2 < PVC + ZnL2 < PVC + SnL2 < PVC + NiL2. Various mechanisms for PVC films photostability containing the Schiff base additives have been suggested.


Introduction
Poly(vinyl chloride), PVC, is one of the most consumed materials worldwide [1]. It can be used in various applications, such as packaging, flooring, architecture and electrical wiring [2,3]. However, the thermal and photostability of PVC are low, hindering its use in the field of building construction [4,5]. The poor photostability of PVC by ultraviolet (UV) light (200-700 nm) is presumably due to the formation of carbon-carbon double bonds, carbonyl, hydroperoxide and hydroxy groups within the polymer chains [6]. It was found that photodegradation and photo-crosslinking of PVC led to the release of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and formation polyene polymer along with other side-products but in much lower percentages. A number of environmental problems can be caused by HCl, which is a very corrosive chemical. On the other hand, the presence of chlorine in PVC inhibits aerobic biodegradation [6].

Film Preparation
A Digital Vernier Caliper 2610A micrometer (Vogel GmbH, Kevelaer, Germany) was used to prepare PVC films (5 g in 100 mL of tetrahydrofuran, THF; 40 μm) containing Schiff base metal complexes (0.5 wt %) as additives. The films were produced using the evaporation technique (room temperature, 24 h). The PVC polymeric films were dried further, to remove residual THF (room temperature, reduced pressure, 3 h). The transmission of the films should be at least 80%. The PVC films were fixed using aluminum plate stands with a thickness of 0.6 mm (Q-Panel Company, Homestead, FL, USA) [35].

Accelerated Testing Technique
Irradiation of PVC films was carried out by accelerated weather-meter QUV tester (Q-Panel Company, Homestead, FL, USA). A light absorption intensity of 7.75 × 10 −7 ein·dm −3 ·s −1 was used

Film Preparation
A Digital Vernier Caliper 2610A micrometer (Vogel GmbH, Kevelaer, Germany) was used to prepare PVC films (5 g in 100 mL of tetrahydrofuran, THF; 40 µm) containing Schiff base metal complexes (0.5 wt %) as additives. The films were produced using the evaporation technique (room temperature, 24 h). The PVC polymeric films were dried further, to remove residual THF (room temperature, reduced pressure, 3 h). The transmission of the films should be at least 80%. The PVC films were fixed using aluminum plate stands with a thickness of 0.6 mm (Q-Panel Company, Homestead, FL, USA) [35].

Accelerated Testing Technique
Irradiation of PVC films was carried out by accelerated weather-meter QUV tester (Q-Panel Company, Homestead, FL, USA). A light absorption intensity of 7.75ˆ10´7 ein¨dm´3¨s´1 was used during the photolysis process. The tester equipped with a UV-B 313 fluorescent ultraviolet lamp (40 W) at each side that give 290-360 nm range spectrum in which maximum wavelength was fixed at 313 nm. The polymeric samples were rotated occasionally to ensure that the incident light intensity was the same on all samples [36].

Measurement of Polymer Films Photodegradation Rate Using IR Spectrophotometry
Photodegradation of PVC films were monitored using FTIR 8300 Shimadzu Spectrophotometer (400-4000 cm´1). The absorption bands for polyene, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups appeared at 1602, 1722 and 3500 cm´1, respectively. The progress of photodegradation of PVC can be measured from the changes in the intensity of these absorption bands during the irradiation process. The comparison of these three absorption bands and the peak appeared at 1328 cm´1 (reference peak) enables calculation of the polyene (I PO ), carbonyl (I CO ) and hydroxyl (I OH ) indexes [37]. The band index method, Equation (1), was used to calculate the index of such groups (Is) from the absorptions of both peak (As) and reference (Ar). The base line method [37] can be used to calculate the actual absorbance (the difference between top peak and baseline).

Measuring the Photodegradation by Morphology Study
The PVC surface morphology was inspected using atomic force microscopy (AFM), supplied by Veeco (Plainview, NY, USA).

Determination of Average Molecular Weight Using Viscometry Method
The relative molecular weight of PVC films was calculated using the Mark-Houwink relation, Equation (2), and can be measured by Ostwald U-tube viscometer. The average molecular weight (M V ) is proportional to the intrinsic viscosity, [η], of polymeric materials [38]. Additionally, it is affected by constants (α and K) that depend on the polymer-solvent system.
Equations (3) and (4) were used to calculate the relative viscosity (η re ) and specific viscosity (η sp ) for PVC solution (g/100 mL), respectively, at flow times for pure solvent (t 0 ) and PVC solution (t).
Equation (5) was used to convert the single-point measurements to the intrinsic viscosities at polymer concentration (C = g/100 mL; THF). Molecular weight of PVC films was calculated from intrinsic viscosities.

FTIR Spectroscopy for PVC Films
A series of 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metal complexes were used as additives to improve photostability of PVC. The PVC films were irradiated at λ = 313 nm for 250 h and the changes in FTIR spectra were recorded. The stability of PVC films were studied by recording the changes in polyene, carbonyl, and hydroxyl indices against irradiation time. The bands absorbed at 1602, 1722, and 3500 cm´1 were assigned to polyene, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, respectively, which formed on irradiation of PVC [37]. The FTIR spectra of PVC (control, 40 µm thickness) before and after irradiation for 250 h are shown in Figures 2 and 3 respectively.

FTIR Spectroscopy for PVC Films
A series of 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metal complexes were used as additives to improve photostability of PVC. The PVC films were irradiated at λ = 313 nm for 250 h and the changes in FTIR spectra were recorded. The stability of PVC films were studied by recording the changes in polyene, carbonyl, and hydroxyl indices against irradiation time. The bands absorbed at 1602, 1722, and 3500 cm −1 were assigned to polyene, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, respectively, which formed on irradiation of PVC [37]. The FTIR spectra of PVC (control, 40 μm thickness) before and after irradiation for 250 h are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.  The changes in carbonyl (ICO), hydroxyl (IOH) and polyene (IPO) indexes in FTIR spectra of PVC films upon irradiation were monitored (Figures 4-6). The changes in carbonyl group starching absorption intensity were used as a confirmation for photodegradation of PVC. Figure 4 shows that the photodegradation of PVC films has been lowered as a result of the addition additive metal complexes (0.5 wt %). Additionally, it shows that the rate of photodegradation of irradiated PVC films was minimum when the metal within additive was Ni(II) followed by Sn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) compared to PVC film (control). Therefore, such additives and in particular the one containing Ni(II) can be considered as photostabilizers for PVC polymeric materials.

FTIR Spectroscopy for PVC Films
A series of 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metal complexes were used as additives to improve photostability of PVC. The PVC films were irradiated at λ = 313 nm for 250 h and the changes in FTIR spectra were recorded. The stability of PVC films were studied by recording the changes in polyene, carbonyl, and hydroxyl indices against irradiation time. The bands absorbed at 1602, 1722, and 3500 cm −1 were assigned to polyene, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, respectively, which formed on irradiation of PVC [37]. The FTIR spectra of PVC (control, 40 μm thickness) before and after irradiation for 250 h are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.  The changes in carbonyl (ICO), hydroxyl (IOH) and polyene (IPO) indexes in FTIR spectra of PVC films upon irradiation were monitored (Figures 4-6). The changes in carbonyl group starching absorption intensity were used as a confirmation for photodegradation of PVC. Figure 4 shows that the photodegradation of PVC films has been lowered as a result of the addition additive metal complexes (0.5 wt %). Additionally, it shows that the rate of photodegradation of irradiated PVC films was minimum when the metal within additive was Ni(II) followed by Sn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) compared to PVC film (control). Therefore, such additives and in particular the one containing Ni(II) can be considered as photostabilizers for PVC polymeric materials. The changes in carbonyl (I CO ), hydroxyl (I OH ) and polyene (I PO ) indexes in FTIR spectra of PVC films upon irradiation were monitored (Figures 4-6). The changes in carbonyl group starching absorption intensity were used as a confirmation for photodegradation of PVC. Figure 4 shows that the photodegradation of PVC films has been lowered as a result of the addition additive metal complexes (0.5 wt %). Additionally, it shows that the rate of photodegradation of irradiated PVC films was minimum when the metal within additive was Ni(II) followed by Sn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) compared to PVC film (control). Therefore, such additives and in particular the one containing Ni(II) can be considered as photostabilizers for PVC polymeric materials.    Figure 5 shows that IPO was lower for PVC containing any of the additives compared to PVC itself on irradiation with UV light for up to 250 h. The metal complex containing Ni(II) was the most efficient additive as a PVC photostabilizer and shows a longer induction period compared to the others. The efficiency of the additive containing Sn(II) was next to that of Ni(II) followed by that containing Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II).    Figure 5 shows that IPO was lower for PVC containing any of the additives compared to PVC itself on irradiation with UV light for up to 250 h. The metal complex containing Ni(II) was the most efficient additive as a PVC photostabilizer and shows a longer induction period compared to the others. The efficiency of the additive containing Sn(II) was next to that of Ni(II) followed by that containing Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II).     Figure 5 shows that IPO was lower for PVC containing any of the additives compared to PVC itself on irradiation with UV light for up to 250 h. The metal complex containing Ni(II) was the most efficient additive as a PVC photostabilizer and shows a longer induction period compared to the others. The efficiency of the additive containing Sn(II) was next to that of Ni(II) followed by that containing Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II).  Figure 5 shows that I PO was lower for PVC containing any of the additives compared to PVC itself on irradiation with UV light for up to 250 h. The metal complex containing Ni(II) was the most efficient additive as a PVC photostabilizer and shows a longer induction period compared to the others. The efficiency of the additive containing Sn(II) was next to that of Ni(II) followed by that containing Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II). Figure 6 shows that I OH was higher for PVC (control) compared to PVC containing any of the additives. Again, the additive containing Ni(II) was the most efficient one among others.

Variation of PVC Molecular Weight during Photolysis
The viscosity average molecular weight`M V ; g{mol˘of polymeric materials changes as a result of photodegradation [39]. Therefore, the changes in M V can be used as a test for random chain scission of polymers versus irradiation time (250 h) during photolysis process. A light absorption intensity of 7.75ˆ10´7 ein¨dm´3¨s´1 was used during the photolysis process. Figure 7 shows the changes in M V against irradiation time (250 h) for PVC films (40 µm thickness) containing ML 2 (0.5 wt %) and that of PVC itself (control).
Polymers 2016, 8,204 6 of 13 Figure 6 shows that IOH was higher for PVC (control) compared to PVC containing any of the additives. Again, the additive containing Ni(II) was the most efficient one among others.

Variation of PVC Molecular Weight during Photolysis
The viscosity average molecular weight ; g/mol of polymeric materials changes as a result of photodegradation [39]. Therefore, the changes in can be used as a test for random chain scission of polymers versus irradiation time (250 h) during photolysis process. A light absorption intensity of 7.75 × 10 −7 ein·dm −3 ·s −1 was used during the photolysis process. Figure 7 shows the changes in against irradiation time (250 h) for PVC films (40 μm thickness) containing ML2 (0.5 wt %) and that of PVC itself (control). was measured in THF at room temperature using Equation (3). There were some insoluble PVC traces which are an indication for branching or cross-linking that might have taken place during photolysis process [40]. To confirm that, the number of average number cut per single chain (average chain scission; S) versus irradiation time (t) was calculated using Equation (7) [41].

=
, / , - where , is the viscosity average molecular weight before irradiation and , is the viscosity average molecular weight at irradiation time t. The changes in average chain scissions (S) versus irradiation time are presented in Figure 8. It indicates that cross-linking within the polymeric chains led to an increase in branching proportion. Some insoluble residues were formed during the irradiation process.  M V was measured in THF at room temperature using Equation (3). There were some insoluble PVC traces which are an indication for branching or cross-linking that might have taken place during photolysis process [40]. To confirm that, the number of average number cut per single chain (average chain scission; S) versus irradiation time (t) was calculated using Equation (7) [41].
where M V,O is the viscosity average molecular weight before irradiation and M V,t is the viscosity average molecular weight at irradiation time t. The changes in average chain scissions (S) versus irradiation time are presented in Figure 8. It indicates that cross-linking within the polymeric chains led to an increase in branching proportion. Some insoluble residues were formed during the irradiation process.  Figure 6 shows that IOH was higher for PVC (control) compared to PVC containing any of the additives. Again, the additive containing Ni(II) was the most efficient one among others.

Variation of PVC Molecular Weight during Photolysis
The viscosity average molecular weight ; g/mol of polymeric materials changes as a result of photodegradation [39]. Therefore, the changes in can be used as a test for random chain scission of polymers versus irradiation time (250 h) during photolysis process. A light absorption intensity of 7.75 × 10 −7 ein·dm −3 ·s −1 was used during the photolysis process. Figure 7 shows the changes in against irradiation time (250 h) for PVC films (40 μm thickness) containing ML2 (0.5 wt %) and that of PVC itself (control). was measured in THF at room temperature using Equation (3). There were some insoluble PVC traces which are an indication for branching or cross-linking that might have taken place during photolysis process [40]. To confirm that, the number of average number cut per single chain (average chain scission; S) versus irradiation time (t) was calculated using Equation (7) where , is the viscosity average molecular weight before irradiation and , is the viscosity average molecular weight at irradiation time t. The changes in average chain scissions (S) versus irradiation time are presented in Figure 8. It indicates that cross-linking within the polymeric chains led to an increase in branching proportion. Some insoluble residues were formed during the irradiation process.  Weak bonds that are randomly distributed within polymeric chains can be cleavage quickly in the initial stages of photodegradation process [42,43]. The degree of deterioration (α) can be calculated from the initial molecular weight (m), average chain scission (S) and M V (Equation (8)).
α " mˆS{M V (8) Figure 9 shows the effect of irradiation time (up to 250 h) of PVC films on the degree of deterioration (α). There was a sharp and rapid increase in the α values when the irradiation time was 150 h. This could be an indication of a random bond cleavage within polymeric chains. The changes in α values for the irritated PVC (control) were higher and sharper compared to those obtained from PVC films containing additives. Clearly, the additive-containing Ni(II) shows the minimum change in α values and can improve the photostabilization of PVC significantly. The efficiency of additives follows the order of PVC + NiL 2 , PVC + SnL 2 , PVC + ZnL 2 , PVC + CdL 2 and PVC + CuL 2 . Weak bonds that are randomly distributed within polymeric chains can be cleavage quickly in the initial stages of photodegradation process [42,43]. The degree of deterioration (α) can be calculated from the initial molecular weight (m), average chain scission (S) and (Equation (8)).
= × / (8) Figure 9 shows the effect of irradiation time (up to 250 h) of PVC films on the degree of deterioration (α). There was a sharp and rapid increase in the α values when the irradiation time was 150 h. This could be an indication of a random bond cleavage within polymeric chains. The changes in α values for the irritated PVC (control) were higher and sharper compared to those obtained from PVC films containing additives. Clearly, the additive-containing Ni(II) shows the minimum change in α values and can improve the photostabilization of PVC significantly. The efficiency of additives follows the order of PVC + NiL2, PVC + SnL2, PVC + ZnL2, PVC + CdL2 and PVC + CuL2. The chain scission quantum yield (Φcs) can be used to provide additional proof for the photodegradation process [44]. The Φcs for PVC films was calculated using Equation (6) and reported in Table 1. The Φcs for pure PVC was of course higher than those of PVC + ML2. The Φcs value was lowest in PVC + NiL2 and follow the order of PVC + NiL2 < PVC + SnL2 < PVC + ZnL2 < PVC + CdL2 < PVC + CuL2. The low Φcs for PVC in the presence of any additives was predicated [25]. It seems that the irradiation energy was absorbed at one site within the PVC macromolecule followed by electronic excitation that was distributed over a number of bonds, which makes a single bond breaking low. Non-reactive processes might be also involved, which led to dissipation of the absorbed energy.

Surface Analysis
An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to study the PVC polymeric films' morphology. Such a technique is an excellent tool to measure the roughness factor (Rq), pore size and two-and three-dimensional topographic images of PVC films. The AFM technique was used over a scanned area of 5.0 × 5.0 μm 2 . The PVC films, in the presence of additive containing Ni(II) and the controlled The chain scission quantum yield (Φ cs ) can be used to provide additional proof for the photodegradation process [44]. The Φ cs for PVC films was calculated using Equation (6) and reported in Table 1. The Φ cs for pure PVC was of course higher than those of PVC + ML 2 . The Φ cs value was lowest in PVC + NiL 2 and follow the order of PVC + NiL 2 < PVC + SnL 2 < PVC + ZnL 2 < PVC + CdL 2 < PVC + CuL 2 . The low Φ cs for PVC in the presence of any additives was predicated [25]. It seems that the irradiation energy was absorbed at one site within the PVC macromolecule followed by electronic excitation that was distributed over a number of bonds, which makes a single bond breaking low. Non-reactive processes might be also involved, which led to dissipation of the absorbed energy.

Surface Analysis
An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to study the PVC polymeric films' morphology. Such a technique is an excellent tool to measure the roughness factor (Rq), pore size and two-and three-dimensional topographic images of PVC films. The AFM technique was used over a scanned area of 5.0ˆ5.0 µm 2 . The PVC films, in the presence of additive containing Ni(II) and the controlled PVC, after irradiation with UV light for 250 h were subjected to AFM (Figures 10 and 11  PVC, after irradiation with UV light for 250 h were subjected to AFM (Figures 10 and 11, respectively).  The surface of irradiated PVC film containing Ni(II) was very smooth (Rq = 34.8 nm) compared to the controlled PVC film. The AFM images for the PVC film (control) showed a highly rough surface (Rq = 116.3). This rough surface could be explained as a result of bonds breaking after exposure to UV light and removal of leachable from the polymer surface [45]. The roughness within the PVC (blank) surface could be due dehydrochlorination on irradiation. It has been reported that PVC dehydrochlorination can take place at 150 °C [46]. Clearly, the metals in the Schiff base complexes could inhibit such processes.

Suggested Mechanisms of PVC Photostabilization in the Presence of Additives
The efficiency of additives as PVC photostabilizers was measured as a function of the changes in the concentration of carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl groups. The changes were much smaller in PVC films containing Schiff base metal complexes compared to PVC itself. Various mechanisms for the photostabilization process of PVC samples containing such additives can be suggested (Schemes 1-4). Metal cations, such as Ni(II), Sn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II), are strong Lewis acids that can scavenge HCl (Scheme 1) and known as secondary stabilizers. Therefore, Schiff base additives containing such metals are expected to provide photostability for PVC films for long period. Additionally, it has been  PVC, after irradiation with UV light for 250 h were subjected to AFM (Figures 10 and 11, respectively).  The surface of irradiated PVC film containing Ni(II) was very smooth (Rq = 34.8 nm) compared to the controlled PVC film. The AFM images for the PVC film (control) showed a highly rough surface (Rq = 116.3). This rough surface could be explained as a result of bonds breaking after exposure to UV light and removal of leachable from the polymer surface [45]. The roughness within the PVC (blank) surface could be due dehydrochlorination on irradiation. It has been reported that PVC dehydrochlorination can take place at 150 °C [46]. Clearly, the metals in the Schiff base complexes could inhibit such processes.

Suggested Mechanisms of PVC Photostabilization in the Presence of Additives
The efficiency of additives as PVC photostabilizers was measured as a function of the changes in the concentration of carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl groups. The changes were much smaller in PVC films containing Schiff base metal complexes compared to PVC itself. Various mechanisms for the photostabilization process of PVC samples containing such additives can be suggested (Schemes 1-4). Metal cations, such as Ni(II), Sn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II), are strong Lewis acids that can scavenge HCl (Scheme 1) and known as secondary stabilizers. Therefore, Schiff base additives containing such metals are expected to provide photostability for PVC films for long period. Additionally, it has been Figure 11. 2D and 3D AFM images of PVC film containing Ni(II) exposed to UV light for 250 h.
The surface of irradiated PVC film containing Ni(II) was very smooth (Rq = 34.8 nm) compared to the controlled PVC film. The AFM images for the PVC film (control) showed a highly rough surface (Rq = 116.3). This rough surface could be explained as a result of bonds breaking after exposure to UV light and removal of leachable from the polymer surface [45]. The roughness within the PVC (blank) surface could be due dehydrochlorination on irradiation. It has been reported that PVC dehydrochlorination can take place at 150˝C [46]. Clearly, the metals in the Schiff base complexes could inhibit such processes.

Suggested Mechanisms of PVC Photostabilization in the Presence of Additives
The efficiency of additives as PVC photostabilizers was measured as a function of the changes in the concentration of carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl groups. The changes were much smaller in PVC films containing Schiff base metal complexes compared to PVC itself. Various mechanisms for the photostabilization process of PVC samples containing such additives can be suggested (Schemes 1-4). Metal cations, such as Ni(II), Sn(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II), are strong Lewis acids that can scavenge HCl (Scheme 1) and known as secondary stabilizers. Therefore, Schiff base additives containing such metals are expected to provide photostability for PVC films for long period. Additionally, it has been reported that thiols can act as heat stabilizers and increase the stability of PVC [47,48]. The stabilization effect could be due the displacement of PVC chlorine atoms by thiol sulfur atoms and formation of sulfur carbon bonds along with the generation of HCl. reported that thiols can act as heat stabilizers and increase the stability of PVC [47,48]. The stabilization effect could be due the displacement of PVC chlorine atoms by thiol sulfur atoms and formation of sulfur carbon bonds along with the generation of HCl. reported that thiols can act as heat stabilizers and increase the stability of PVC [47,48]. The stabilization effect could be due the displacement of PVC chlorine atoms by thiol sulfur atoms and formation of sulfur carbon bonds along with the generation of HCl.  reported that thiols can act as heat stabilizers and increase the stability of PVC [47,48]. The stabilization effect could be due the displacement of PVC chlorine atoms by thiol sulfur atoms and formation of sulfur carbon bonds along with the generation of HCl.   Aromatic and heteroaromatic rings can act as UV absorbers [49]. Such electron rich systems within additive backbone structures can absorb the UV radiation energy directly and dissipates it to harmless heat energy (Scheme 2).
Polymeric materials can undergo degradation in the presence of hydroperoxides through photooxidation. The addition of UV photostabilizer additives is known to protect the polymeric films from photodegradation [50]. The Schiff base metal complexes are expected to decompose the peroxide and quench the excited state and lead to stabilization of PVC films (Scheme 3).
The additives could also stabilize the PVC samples through acting as radical scavengers in the presence of a chromophore (POO). The energy can be transferred through formation of a complex between the chromophore, in excited state, and additive containing metal. Such unreactive charge transfer complexes could be stabilized via resonance of aromatic rings within the additives (Scheme 4). Photostabilization process could be also explained due to possible attraction between polarized C−N bonds in pyridine and triazole rings within additives and PVC polymeric chains. Such attraction can play a role to allow the energy of excited PVC films to be transferred effectively to the additives and then to a harmless energy.

Conclusions
The photostabilization of PVC films using 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4triazole-3-thiol metal complexes was successfully achieved. Photostabilization of PVC films containing additives showed a decrease in carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl indices in order of CuL2 < CdL2 < ZnL2 < SnL2 < NiL2. The additives could act as HCl scavengers, UV absorbers, peroxide decomposer and/or radical scavengers and therefore stabilize the PVC films. The Ni(II) complex was the most efficient additive in photostabilization of PVC containing Schiff's base metal complexes. For long term use of such additives, the possible problems that could arise from the migration and/or toxicity of such complexes need to be investigated. Aromatic and heteroaromatic rings can act as UV absorbers [49]. Such electron rich systems within additive backbone structures can absorb the UV radiation energy directly and dissipates it to harmless heat energy (Scheme 2).
Polymeric materials can undergo degradation in the presence of hydroperoxides through photooxidation. The addition of UV photostabilizer additives is known to protect the polymeric films from photodegradation [50]. The Schiff base metal complexes are expected to decompose the peroxide and quench the excited state and lead to stabilization of PVC films (Scheme 3).
The additives could also stabilize the PVC samples through acting as radical scavengers in the presence of a chromophore (POO). The energy can be transferred through formation of a complex between the chromophore, in excited state, and additive containing metal. Such unreactive charge transfer complexes could be stabilized via resonance of aromatic rings within the additives (Scheme 4). Photostabilization process could be also explained due to possible attraction between polarized C´N bonds in pyridine and triazole rings within additives and PVC polymeric chains. Such attraction can play a role to allow the energy of excited PVC films to be transferred effectively to the additives and then to a harmless energy.

Conclusions
The photostabilization of PVC films using 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4triazole-3-thiol metal complexes was successfully achieved. Photostabilization of PVC films containing additives showed a decrease in carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl indices in order of CuL 2 > CdL 2 > ZnL 2 > SnL 2 > NiL 2 . The additives could act as HCl scavengers, UV absorbers, peroxide decomposer and/or radical scavengers and therefore stabilize the PVC films. The Ni(II) complex was the most efficient additive in photostabilization of PVC containing Schiff's base metal complexes. For long term use of such additives, the possible problems that could arise from the migration and/or toxicity of such complexes need to be investigated.