Structural defects in poly(vinylchloride)—III. Degradation of vinyl chloride-phenylacetylene copolymers in solution

Vinylchloride-phenylacetylene copolymers have been prepared and characterized. A known amount of defined defect sites, viz. double bonds, has been introduced into the main chain of the polymer. Thermal degradation behaviour of the copolymers has been studied in trichlorobenzene solution. A strong dependence of the kinetics of dehydrochlorination and polyene formation on the defect concentration has been found. Rate constants and activation parameters have been determined. The effects of different structures have been compared.