Investigation of the processes of thermal and mechanical degradation of polymers using mass spectrometers. Review

Abstract

The review covers work with mass spectrometers during the last 5 years involving the study of the processes of thermal and mechanical degradation of polymers. Special attention is given to the effect of defects in the macromolecules on the development of the thermal and mechanical degradation processes. It is suggested that the defects of the chemical structure of the macromolecules have an important influence not only on the thermal degradation but also on the development of mechanical failure. The possible uses of mass spectrometry in investigating interfaces are also examined. The initial experiments along these lines are discussed.