| Abstract: | The kinetics of anhydride formation of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in porous PAA–alumina composites have been investigated by using a thermogravimetric technique (TGA). Three distinct reaction peaks at 200°C (I), 250°C (II), and 390°C (III) were identified in the dynamic TGA thermogram. These peaks were attributed to bound water removal (I), anhydride formation (II), and polymer degradation (III). The kinetics of the anhydride reaction were studied in a temperature range of 220–240°C and found to follow a second-order mechanism with an activation energy of approximately 38 kcal/mole. In addition, the bound water was found to inhibit the onset of anhydride formation. The degree of conversion to anhydride was correlated with the equilibrium swelling level attained by the composite in water. |
