Thermal Degradation
Chain-growth polymers like poly(methyl methacrylate) can be degraded by thermolysis at high temperatures to give monomers, oils, gases and water. The degradation takes place by:
| Thermolysis type | Added material | Temperature | Pressure | Final product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrolysis | Around 500°C | Reduced pressure | ||
| Hydrogenation | Dihydrogen | Around 450°C | Around 200 bars | |
| Gasification | Dioxygen and/or water | Under pressure | Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide and hydrogen |
Read more about this topic: Polymer Degradation
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