Thermal degradation of polyoxides

Polyoxymethylene depolymerizes into formaldehyde at 220°C. This was found to be a first-order reaction with the rate varying from 0.42 to 5.8%/min, depending upon conditions of polymer preparation and the molecular weight of the polymer [457]. 

Poly(ethylene oxide) decomposes upon heating at lower temperatures than does polyethylene. Among the volatile products are found formaldehyde, ethanol, ethylene oxide, carbon dioxide, and water. Polyipropylene oxide) is also less heat stable than polypropylene. Isotactic poly(propylene oxide) is somewhat more stable than the atactic one. 

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