Polymer Degradation - Thermal Degradation

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

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