ANALYSIS OF POLYMERS USING EVOLVED-GAS AND DIRECT-PYROLYSIS TECHNIQUES

Thermal analysis of polystyrene, poly(p-methylstyrene) and poly(alpha- methylstyrene) has been carried out using evolved-gas analysis by infr ared and mass spectrometry, and direct-pyrolysis analysis by mass spec trometric techniques. Evolved-gas analysis, both by infrared and mass spectrometry, reveals features due mainly to the corresponding monomer s or stable, volatile, and low relative molecular mass degradation pro ducts. In direct-pyrolysis mass spectrometry, however, primary decompo sition products and heavier fragments such as dimers and trimers can a lso be detected. The ion-temperature profiles of the corresponding mon omer ions reveal information about the thermal stability of the polyme rs.