Poly‐α‐ester degradation studies. I. Introduction: Design and construction of equipment

Abstract

Abstract The various types of polyester degradation known to occur at elevated temperature are briefly summarized with particular reference to features of potential diagnostic value. Although little is known of poly‐α‐ester degradation in particular, examination of work on other linear polyesters indicates the spectrum of analytical and kinetic information that will be needed to characterize the degradation of poly‐α‐esters of various structures. On the basis of this review, an apparatus has been designed which enables kinetic information to be simultaneously obtained by thermogravimetry, gas evolution analysis, and rheological studies of the residual polymer melt. In addition a gas sampling procedure enables twin‐column gas‐liquid chromatographic analysis to be carried out on the degradation products. Samples of the chromatographically separated degradation products are collected in a microcollector cell for infrared and mass spectrometric analysis. Other refinements include in‐line filament and Curie‐point pyrolysis techniques.