ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

 The Oxidative Thermal Degradation of Poly (Methyl Acrylate)

G. G. Cameron and F. Davie

Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Scotland

Abstract: The degradation of thin films of poly(methyl acrylate) has been studied under 300 mmHg pressure of oxygen in the temperature range 180—250°C. Crosslinking and chain scission occur. Carboxyl, hydroxyl and γ-lactone structures are formed on the polymeric residue. Carbon dioxide comprises ca. 52% of the total evolved volatiles which also include methanol, water and methyl formate. The overall activation energy for volatile formation (weight loss) is 9.8 kcal. Possible oxidation mechanisms are considered and it is concluded that the oxyradical plays an important part.

Full paper in Portable Document Format: 263a200.pdf

Chemical Papers 26 (3) 200–207 (1972)