TG/DTA/MS of poly(methyl methacrylate) - The role of the oxidative environment

Degradation of relatively large particle size, 0.5 mm of Type-G PMMA ( Rohm and Haas) were conducted with thermogravimetric analysis and evolved gas measurements using quadrupole mass spectrometer under conditions of mass transport limitation. In addition, differential thermal analysis was performed in order to furnish information with regards to exothermic or endothermic reactions associated with the degradation. The tests were conducted in an inert environment of pure N-2 and oxygenated environment. The results indicated one step degradation process in pure N-2 and the degradation process is endothermic. As the O-2 fraction increases the degradation process is transformed to exothermic.