Polybutadiene cross-linked with various diols - effect on thermal stability

The relationship between cross-linking and thermal stability as related to polybutadiene is the focus of current research. Crosslinked polybutadienes have been prepared using various diols as the cross-linking agent. Cross-li nked polymers have been characterized by gel content, swelling ratios, infr ared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. These polymers are not highly cros s-linked, as seen by gel content and swelling ratios, and cross-linking doe s not have a large effect on the onset temperature of the degradation. None theless, extensive formation of a non-volatile residue occurs. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.