Abstract
The chain scission and volatilization processes which occur in the thermal degradation of polystyrene have been simulated by Monte Carlo procedures and the results have been compared with the degrees of polymerization, determined experimentally, of polystyrene samples degraded to different extents. The results of the calculations agree with random scission of the polymer chains at temperatures at which volatilization of simple molecules does not occur and with a degradation mechanism involving extensive deactivation of radicals through hydrogen abstraction from the body of polymer chains at temperatures at which volatilization does occur. The calculations also show that the molecularity index, i.e. the ratio between the weight average and the number average degrees of polymerization, tends to 2, independently of the degradation mechanism.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
