POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE: POLYMERIZATION, STRUCTURAL CONTAMINANTS AND THERMAL STABILITY
Abstract
Various conditions and catalysts were utilized in an effort to increase the thermal stability of polymers. Materials were added to polymers which might enter as structural units or be intimately incorporated in the polymer mass. The degradation of the resulting polymer was studied, and rates were compared. The polymerization of C2F4 is believed to be similar to that of most vinyl monomers and appears to proceed by a free-radical mechanism. Most of the monomer was prepared by the pyrolysis of Teflon at 650-700 deg C and 1 mm; a small lot was prepared by the pyrolysis of CF3CF2CO2Na. The polymerizations were accomplished in sealed tubes in a cold block which allowed the samples to be held at a low temperature while exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. The catalysts additions, conditions, and conversions to polymers are tabulated. Many polymerizations proceeded at -80 deg C. The photopolymerization of C2F4 appeared to proceed at a low rate. Catalytic activity with (CF3)2Hg was studied in the presence and absence of light. The sample stored in the dark showed the highest conversion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0015175
Entities
People
- L.a. Wall
- R.e. Florin
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology