Photo-cross-linking and de-cross-linking of modified polystyrenes having degradable linkages

Modified polystyrenes having both epoxy moieties and tertiary ester linkages, tertiary ether linkages, or carbonate linkages were synthesized. The polymer films containing a photoacid generator were photo-cross-linkable. The cross-linked polymer films became soluble in tetrahydrofuran after thermolysis. Photo-cross-linking and thermal decomposition behaviors of the polymers were investigated and discussed in terms of the chemical structures of degradable units. The thermal stability of the polymers was found to be in the order: tertiary ester > tertiary ether > tertiary carbonate.