Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate) and its laser-derived analogue

Thermal behaviour of poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate) and its laser-derived, partly crosslinked analogue having less pendant groups and some conjugated CC bonds was examined by means of TGA technique and compared. The major degradation differences relate to the decomposition progress, evolution of volatile products and the yield of a carbonaceous residuum. The more feasible cleavage of acetate-and Cl-pendant groups and the higher yield of carbonaceous residuum observed with the laser-derived analogue are respectively explained by the accelerating effect of the conjugated CC double bonds and crosslinking.