Thermolysis of selected polymethacrylates

A report is presented on the thermal decomposition behavior of several polymethacrylates and the effect of the ester structure on the thermolysis in correlation with the photosensitivity in acid-catalyzed thermolysis. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves of the polymethacrylates and presented together with that of PMAA Polymethacrylic Acid PMAA loses absorbed water below 140°C (1st heating), and then dehydrates to form PMAN, at the temperature ranging from 180 to 260°C.