Thermal degradation studies of several Pyrrone films

The thermal degradation of several polyimidazopyrrolone (pyrrone) films was studied in air and in vacuum over the range of 100–1000°C. by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), with the use of both isothermal heating and programmed heating rates of 2, 3, 5, and 7.5°C./min. At pressures of 10−6 torr or less, maximum weight losses average 30% at 800°C. Rates of volatilization and activation energies were derived to provide comparison between these ladder-type polymers. Mass spectrometric analysis of the pyrolysis gases evolved under vacuum conditions showed that CO, CO2, and H2O were the primary volatile products and that they were formed throughout the period of weight loss. Approximate correlation between changes in weight and changes in the total pressure for the vacuum tests indicates that mass spectrometric results could provide quantitative as well as qualitative data. The importance of sample history prior to heating and of sample geometry in developing meaningful and reproducible TGA results is aptly demonstrated. The ability of these materials to absorb readily 5–7 wt.-% of water under ambient conditions and the effect of this property upon weight loss measurements are shown.