Thermal Degradation of High Temperature Polymers and Composites
Abstract
A study was performed to examine the thermal degradation process and char forming characteristics of a number of polyquinoxaline polymers. The techniques used were primarily of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and mass spectrometry. Constant heating rate and isothermal degradation experiments were carried out in vacuum, and to some extent, in air; the isothermal degradation rates were used to obtain an approximate activation energy for the degradation process. The quinoxaline-based polymers showed improved thermal stability and greater carbon yields compared to conventional polymers. Thermal degradation occurred in three discrete steps. Generalized degradation mechanisms that have been derived for these polymers from combined mass spectrometry and residue analysis results are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 23, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0750396
Entities
People
- C. A. Gaulin
- W. H. Pfeifer
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute