Photolytic decomposition of polymethacrylates. Part. 1.—Poly(methyl methacrylate); kinetics of decomposition

Abstract

The kinetics of the photochemically-induced depolymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) are investigated. Monochromatic ultra-violet radiation, wave-length 253.7 nm, was used on samples heated in vacuum to temperatures from 433 to 473 K. It is concluded that the mechanism is one of random scission of the polymer main-chain bonds followed by complete unzipping of the molecules.