This book summarizes recent developments in the study of the thermal degradation of polymers. It presents an overview of thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics, and decribes the use of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in combination with mass spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry, to investigate thermal decomposition. The book discusses the thermal degradation of various polymers, copolymers, high-performance plastics, blends, and composites, including polyolefins, styrenes, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyacrylates, and others.

From the Preface: “...The degradation of materials could either worsen the properties and therefore be undesired, or lead to a useful phenomenon in terms of compatibilisation and stabilisation of the polymer via degradation-induced cross-reactions or recycling of polymer waste through thermal degradation...”

Target Audience: Polymer researchers and processing technologists requiring an understanding of the implicatoins of thermal degradation on material and end-use performance.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Mechanisms of Thermal Degradation of Polymers

Thermooxidative Degradation

Kinetics of Thermal Degradation

Polymers, Copolymers and Blends

Natural Polymers

Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

Inorganic Polymers

High Temperature-Resistant Polymers

Recycling of Polymers by Thermal Degradation

Thermal Degradation During Processing of Polymers

Modelling of Thermal Degradation Processes

Concluding Remarks

References

Index