Chemical transformations of polymers Communication 19. Thermal destruction of polyarylates based on phenolphthalein with terephthalic and isophthalic acids

Abstract

1. The processes of thermal destruction of polyarylates P-1 and P-2 were investigated. The infusible solid destruction product represents a carbonized three-dimensional skeleton, close to certain varieties of coals; the low-molecular destruction products consist of diphenyl, triphenylmethane, benzoic acid, and traces of phenol and phenol-phthalein; the only gaseous destruction products are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. 2. From a kinetic analysis of the gas evolution, the conclusion was drawn that the process takes place in the form of a parallel-sequential reaction. 3. Theoretical calculations of the rate constants of the steps of the parallel-sequential reactions are in good agreement with the experimental data. 4. The effective activation energies of the destruction processes were determined; the scheme of destruction was proposed, and certain considerations were expressed concerning the mechanism of the process.