Thermal decomposition of cross-linked polybutadiene and its copolymers

Polybutadiene and two copolymers containing butadiene and styrene have been cross-linked by thermal processes, by the use of initiators in solution: a nd by intimately mixing an initiator with the polymer and then heating this blend. The most efficient crosslinking process is the use of an intimate b lend of the initiator and polymer. Most cross-linking processes lower the o nset temperature of degradation, presumably because chain scission reaction s occur simultaneously with cross-linking, while also increasing the fracti on of non-volatile residue which is produced. It is believed that the densi ty of cross-links is responsible for the increased yield of non-volatile re sidue. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.