| Abstract: | The volatile products from the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resins and compounds are shown to contain trace amounts of vinyl chloride. Data presented show the effect of temperature and resin type on the amount of vinyl chloride formed. At the maximum temperatures involved in PVC processing which may reach 210°C., vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) evolution amounts to less than 1 ppm (resin basis). A technique employing a thermogravimetric balance and charcoal adsorption of volatiles is described for studying thermal degradation of PVC. The volatiles are analyzed for vinyl chloride by gas chromatography. Peak identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry. |
