Thermal degradation of copolymers of styrene with dicarboxylic acids – II: Copolymers obtained by radical copolymerisation of styrene with maleic acid or fumaric acid

Abstract

Thermal degradation processes in copolymers of styrene with two stereoisomers of 1,2-ethylenedicarboxylic acids (i.e. maleic acid (the cis-isomer) and fumaric acid (the trans-isomer)) have been studied by mass spectrometry, FTIR and TG measurements. The influence of the chemical composition on thermal degradation of copolymers with acid by non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TG) was also studied. The stereo-configuration of carboxyl groups in copolymers was analysed by potentiometric titration. It was found that copolymers degrade in two main complex stages. The initial step in the decomposition involves the formation of cyclic five-membered anhydrides. The presence of trans configuration of carboxyl groups hinders the formation of cyclic anhydrides and shifts the decomposition to higher temperatures, making decarboxylation competitive. At higher temperatures anhydride decomposition takes place and finally the degradation of main chains occurs.