Thermal Degradation
Chain-growth polymers like poly(methyl methacrylate) can be degraded by thermolysis at high temperatures to give monomers, oils, gases and water. The degradation takes place by:
| Thermolysis type | Added material | Temperature | Pressure | Final product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrolysis | Around 500°C | Reduced pressure | ||
| Hydrogenation | Dihydrogen | Around 450°C | Around 200 bars | |
| Gasification | Dioxygen and/or water | Under pressure | Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide and hydrogen |
Read more about this topic: Polymer Degradation
Famous quotes containing the word degradation:
“I suppose one has a greater sense of intellectual degradation after an interview with a doctor than from any human experience.”
—Alice James (1848–1892)