FTIR study of the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl alcohol)

The degradation of poly(vinyl alcohol) was investigated using TG analysis a nd Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the effect of atmos phere on the process of degradation. In the spectra, four vibrational modes were identified that characterised the major steps of the degradation proc ess. These were the O-H, C-H, C=O and C=C stretching modes. The mechanism o bserved for degradation in an inert atmosphere was in accordance with the a ccepted mechanism of elimination followed by pyrolisation. Evidence of conj ugated polyenes, however, was not observed. For the air atmosphere, oxidati on in both steps of the degradation process was observed.