Thermal degradation studies of alternating copolymers: VI. Degradation of the alternating copolymer of allyl acetate and maleic anhydride: thermal analysis and product analysis studies

The alternating copolymer of allyl acetate and maleic anhydride has been pr epared by the free radical route at 60 degrees C. Temperature ranges of dec omposition under programmed heating have been determined by thermogravimetr y and thermal volatilisation analysis (TVA). The TVA method has also been u sed to establish the amounts of the main product fractions in terms of vola tility The largest fraction comprises volatile gases and liquids and these have been characterised by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and GC-MS, th e most important components being acetic acid and carbon dioxide. Temperatu re regions for production of the most important volatile products have been established by MS selective ion monitoring during the degradation. The pri ncipal consitituents of the tar/wax product fraction have also been charact erised. Unlike the alternating copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ac etate and isopropenyl aectate, respectively, the allyl acetate copolymer sh ows some decomposition of the maleic anhydride units before acetic acid is released. Extensive fragmentation of the modified chain structure, however, does not occur below 350 degrees C. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.