Thermal degradation of polymers: Part XXVIII — Vacuum pyrolysis of poly(m-acetamidostyrene): Products volatile at ambient temperature

The products obtained on degradation of poly(m-acetamidostyrene) (Pm-AAS) in vacuo are described. The effects of molecular weight and pyrolysis temperature are discussed and compared with those observed for polystyrene (PS) under identical conditions.The liquid products of pyrolysis were separated and identified by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Monomer was not present in the liquid fraction from Pm-AAS and product analysis revealed significant differences in the degradation behaviour relative to PS. This behaviour was ascribed to differences in volatility of the parent monomers, their relative susceptibility to thermal polymerisation and the ability of the side grouping to undergo cleavage in the substituted polymer. Mechanisms involving side group cleavage are proposed and discussed to account for the products obtained. Quantitative studies are also described and compared with results from PS.