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.