Synthesis and thermal stability of poly-n-α-naphthylmaleimides

Two samples of poly-N-a-naphthylmaleimide (PNNMI) prepared by free radical polymerization under different experimental conditions have been characterized. The elemental analysis of both samples indicates the same chemical composition, although they are different from a structural point of view. Their structures have been established by spectroscopic methods. Rates of thermal degradation for both PNNMI samples have been analyzed by programmed thermogravimetry using a multiple-heating-rate procedure. Overall activation energy and order of reaction have been calculated. Values of 40 and 24 kcal/mole for the overall activation energy and a value close to unity (1.2 and 0.8) for the order of reaction for both polymers have been found.