THERMAL-DEGRADATION OF POLY(ACRYLOYL CHLORIDE) AND COPOLYMERS OF ACRYLOYL CHLORIDE WITH METHYL ACRYLATE

The products of thermal degradation of poly(acryloyl chloride) (PAC) h omopolymer and copolymers of acryloyl chloride with methyl acrylate (A C-MA), covering the entire composition range, have been analysed quant itatively using thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy and gas-liquid chrom atography. The major products of degradation of PAC homopolymer are HC l, CO and chain fragments. Methyl chloride, CO2, CO, methanol and chai n fragments are the principal products of degradation of AC-MA copolym ers. Possible mechanisms for the formation of these products are descr ibed and discussed.