Thermal degradation processes in polysulphide polymers investigated by flash pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Thermal degradation of four polysuiphides, poly(methylenesulphide), poly(methylenedisulphide), poly(methylene tetrasulphide), and poly(styrenesulphide)-co-poly(methylenesulphide) have been investigated by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique (Py-GC/MS). The pyrolysis products detected by Py-GC/MS indicate that the thermal decomposition of these polymers yields cyclic sulphides by an intramolecular exchange process. The linear products with thiol end groups also form along with the cyclic products through a beta -CH hydrogen transfer reaction.