Thermal degradation of bromine containing polymers—Part 4: Mechanisms of decomposition of copolymers of 2-bromoethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate and blends of the homopolymers

The principal products of degradation of copolymers of 2-bromoethyl methacrylate (2BEM) and methyl acrylate (MA) and of blends of the two homopolymers are the two monomers, methyl bromide, 1,2-dibromoethane, methanol, acetaldehyde, methyl methacrylate, carbon dioxide, 2-bromoethanol and chain fragments. There are also a number of minor products including carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. Possible mechanisms of formation of these compounds are suggested and discussed in the light of the experimental evidence and an integrated reaction sequence has been drawn up.