Thermal degradation kinetics, predicting

There have been many studies on the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of PMMA.23 24 It is well established that the polymer formed by radical polymerization can be substantially less stable than predicted by consideration of the idealized structure and that the kinetics of polymer degradation are dependent on the conditions used for its preparation. There is still some controversy surrounding the details of thermal degradation mechanisms and, in particular, the initiation of degradation.31... 

Finally, certain aspects that have not been covered in this chapter include coupled NH3 and hydrocarbon SCR and SCR catalyst poisoning and aging/ deactivation. Understanding and hopefully predicting the useful life of these catalysts is paramount. A molecular-level understanding of the mechanisms of hydrocarbon and sulfur poisoning and thermal degradation relies on mechanistic-based kinetic models. 

Oxidative degradation dominates when Estane/NP is thermally aged in the absence of water and oxygen. Through NMR analysis, the oxidation of the bridging methylene group was quantified. These data contributed to the development of kinetic models for prediction of oxidative degradation. We observed a correlation between oxidation and mechanical properties. 

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