Preparation and thermal degradation of poly(p-substituted phenacyl methacrylates)

The preparation and thermal degradation of two poly(p-substituted phenacyl methacrylates), poly(p-bromophenacyl methacrylate) [poly(BPMA)] and poly(p- methoxyphenacyl methacrylate [poly(MPMA)], are described. The monomers prod uced from the reaction of corresponding phenacylchlorides with sodium metha crylate, were polymerized with AIBN as initiator. The monomers and their po lymers were characterized by IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR. Thermal degradation of t he polymers has been studied using a system consisting of a degradation tub e, with a condenser for product collection, a gas phase IR cell and a rotar y pump, and by thermogravimetry (TG). Product studies were performed by IR, GC-MS, H-1 and C-13 NMR. Thermal degradations of these two poly(p-substitu ted phenacylmethacrylates) to give volatile products, begin at about 250 de greesC. The degradation produces anhydride ring structures in the chain at about 260 degreesC. A mechanism of degradation showing the formation of som e products is discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .