Pyrolysis of polyesters: A study of saturated model compounds

Brown, A. L (1960) Pyrolysis of polyesters: A study of saturated model compounds. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Methyl and ethyl esters of saturated dibasic acids were chosen as models to represent saturated segments of a co-polyester chain, giving a contrast of the effects of presence and absence of p-hydrogen on the alkyl group. It was observed that not only does absence of P-hydrogen confer a higher thermal stability but that it entirely alters the pyrolytic decomposition. Alkyl-oxygen scission, the predominant breakdown route of the ethyl esters, did not occur in the methyl compounds. Surprisingly, methylene-chain rupture was the principal reaction of the latter, an alpha,beta-unsaturated ester being formed. The decomposition is complex and mechanisms are considered. A series of acid anhydrides, related to the esters studied, were also examined, yielding interpretations of secondary decomposition in the pyrolyses of esters. Perhaps the most notable feature was the formation of unsaturated monobasic acids from cyclic anhydrides by elimination of carbon monoxide. A discussion of reaction mechanisms is included.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: P D Ritchie
• Keywords: Polymer chemistry
• Date of Award: 1960
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1960-73513
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73513