The thermal degradation of polyvinyl compounds. I. A new type of molecular still

Abstract

A survey of depolymerization reactions has been made and the importance of the degradation emphasized in addition polymerization especially at high temperatures. In order to follow the course of the thermal degradation it is necessary to remove rapidly and measure the amount of monomer produced. In addition it is essential to measure the average size and the number of macromolecules during the course of the reaction. A molecular still for carrying out the degradation is described in which it is possible to follow the evolution of monomer continuously. The conditions necessary for the proper utilization of this type of still are described.