Thermal Degradation of Polyacrylates

Speakman, John G (1969) Thermal Degradation of Polyacrylates. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

As an introduction to the degradation of polyacrylates, the degradation reactions of other vinyl polymers are broadly classified and degradation mechanisms occurring in related polymer systems are discussed. Detailed degradation studies of poly(methyl acrylate), poly(t-butyl acrylate) and poly(benzyl acrylate) have already been carried out and the results of these are mentioned. Monomer and polymer sample preparation and experimental apparatus used to degrade the polymers and to analyse the degradation products are described. Five polymers were studied: poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(n-propyl acrylate), poly(iso-propyl acrylate), poly(n-butyl acrylate) and poly(2-ethyl hexyl acrylate). Qualitative studies of the degradation of the polymers were made using the dynamic molecular still. The major products were analysed and found to be alcohol, olefin, carbon dioxide and short chain fragments from the poly(primary acrylates) and olefin and carbon dioxide alone from poly(iso-propyl acrylate). Insolubility was found to develop in all the polymers except poly(2-ethyl hexyl acrylate). Thermal volatilisation analysis and thermogravimetric analysis of the five polymers showed that the thermal stabilities of the poly(primary acrylates) are a little lower than that of poly(methyl acrylate). Poly(iso-propyl acrylate) is less stable than the poly (primary acrylates), but more stable than poly(t-butyl acrylate). A thorough quantitative examination of the degradation products from the poly(primary acrylates) at 315

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Polymer chemistry
• Date of Award: 1969
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1969-78498
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 15:14
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 15:14
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78498