THERMAL-DEGRADATION OF POLY(TERT-BUTYL AZIRIDINE)

The degradation behaviour of poly(tert-butyl aziridine) (PTBA) has bee n studied using thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis and th ermal volatilisation anaylsis (TVA), with programmed heating at 10 deg rees C/min. Volatile products have been separated by subambient TVA an d characterised. The liquid product fraction was subjected to gas chro matography for further separation, and the components were identified by mass spectrometry. The cold ring (tar/wax) fraction was examined by IR spectroscopy. The main volatile products of thermal degradation of PTBA are identified as isobutene and ethylamine, together with smalle r quantities of ethylene, propane, aziridine, butane and methane. Cycl ic dimer and analogous materials were the main liquid products, and th e cold ring fraction consisted of oligomers of TEA. Mechanisms have be en proposed to account for the products formed.