Molecule-specific degradation

Of course, radical species may be converted back to polymer molecules by termination. Examples of specific termination reactions are first order, where R, —> / , and second order, where R, + Rj —> / ,, . At present, there is an uncertainty in the literature over which of these candidates is the most suitable for specific degradation mechanisms. 

Pyrolysis products of chlorinated polyethylene contain molecules similar to those found in polyethylene pyrolysates and, in addition, compounds similar to that obtained from vinyl chloride (significant amount of HCI). Chlorosulfonated polyethylene typically contains only about 1.5% sulfur, but sulfur-containing compounds such as SO2 can be detected among its pyrolysis products. The distribution of chlorine atoms in chlorinated polyethylene has been investigated using Py-GC [55, 56]. The polymer was considered equivalent with a terpoiymer poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl chloride)-co-(1,2-dichloroethylene)]. The level of specific degradation products such as aromatic molecules (benzene + toluene + styrene + naphthalene), chlorobenzene, and dichlorobenzenes correlates well with the carbon/chlorine ratio in the polymer. 

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