Thermal stability and degradation of chitosan modified by benzophenone

N-(biphenylmethylidenyl) chitosan polymer was prepared, characterized and thermal stability was compared with chitosan. Thermal degradation products of the modified polymer were identified by GC–MS technique. It seems that the mechanism of degradation of the prepared polymer is characterized by formation of low molecular weight radicals, followed by random scission mechanism along the backbond chain.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► N-(biphenylmethylidenyl) chitosan (BPMC) polymer was synthesized via a Schiff reaction of chitosan with benzophenone.
► Thermal degradation of BPMC polymer was studied and the products of degradation were identified by GC–MS technique.
► The mechanism of degradation of BPMC polymer is characterized by the elimination of low-molecular weight radicals.
► Combination of these radicals and random scission mechanism along the back bone chain are the main source of the degradation products.