Chemiluminescence of polyamides II. Luminescence accompanying thermooxidation of lactam-based polyamides related to the content of end-groups of molecules

The rate of the thermooxidation of lactam-based polyamides, independent of oxygen pressure was measured. The intensity of chemiluminescence, changes i n molecular weight and the content of end-groups in the polymer were follow ed. The oxidation rate, chemical changes of polymers and intensity of chemi luminescence in the course of oxidation were found to be dependent on the c ontent of foreign groups in the polymer, on the structure and concentration of end-groups, and on the structures incorporated into the molecules by si de reactions during polymerization. The relation between the intensity of c hemiluminescence and the rate of oxidation consumption differed profoundly for various polyamides. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.