Analysis of Evolving Gases from Polymers

Linear-temperature controlled pyrolysis with subsequent analysis of the pyrolysates (volatiles and residues) by FTIR spectroscopy can provide information on the thermal degradation mechanisms of polymers including aromatic polyesters (325). Thermal analysis of PS, poly-p-methylstyrene and poly-a-methylstyrene was carried out using evolved-gas IR analysis (302). 

On decomposition, the polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polymers give off mainly water, carbon dioxide, butadiene, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and PBT oligomers. The flame retardants marginally increased the polymer decomposition temperature (274). 

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