Phase transfer catalysed degradation of poly(vinyl chloride). I: Product characterisation and handling

Abstract The essential features of the thermal and photochemical degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), are reviewed briefly and in particular the role played by polyene sequences in these and other closely related processes is emphasised. PVC was degraded at 70 °C using a phase transfer catalysed technique. The reaction product which was reactive and required careful handling and storage was characterised by a variety of analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Extraction of the material in a range of solvents gave fractions with strong fluorescence emissions which are described and discussed.