| Abstract: | The thermal decomposition of cis-1,4-, trans-1,4-, and 1,2-polybutadienes (PBD) in the temperature range 450–900°C was investigated by pyrolysis gas chromatography (PGC). The cis- and trans-PBDs have closely similar product distribution and can be readily distinguished at lower temperatures of pyrolysis from the 1,2-PBD by the low amount of vinyl cyclohexene (VCH) produced by the 1,2 species. The amount of butadiene (BD) produced by 1,2-PBD varies with the tacticity of the polymer; the greater syndiotactic yields a lesser amount of BD. A method of determining the 1,4 and the 1,2 contents of PBD based on the ratios of peak heights of ethylene (C2) to VCH, propylene (C3) to VCH, and BD to VCH is presented. The advantages of this method are discussed. The nature and composition of the products of pyrolysis in the temperature range 540–900°C are presented and the mechanism of degradation at these elevated temperatures is explained. |
