The thermal degradation of poly(benzyl acrylate)

The thermal degradation of poly(benzyl acrylate) at 260° to 300° C has been studied. The main products of degradation are carbon dioxide, benzyl alcohol and low polymer. The main polymer chain backbone decomposes in an essentially random manner. In the light of spectroscopic data on the polymeric residue reaction mechanisms to explain the breakdown are considered. The pyrolysis of poly(benzyl acrylate) appears to follow a pattern similar to that of poly(methyl acrylate).