The experimental study of the kinetics and modes of polymethyl methacrylate thermal degradation in argon flows

The experimental study of the kinetics and modes of the thermal degradation of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in an argon flow was carried out. During thermogravimetric analysis the sample heating rates were 2, 5, 8, 20 and 35 K/min. Based on the integral isoconversional method the values of the kinetic rate constants of the PMMA thermal degradation were determined. When modeling the decomposition process of PMMA for low conversion degrees, it is advisable to use the reaction rate constant obtained for the conversion degree equal to 20 %, and for modeling the whole process – 50 %. Therefore, for evaluation calculations, it is possible to describe the process of PMMA decomposition with one gross reaction. Also, the investigation of the thermal degradation of PMMA particles under conductive heating conditions (680, 700, 720 K) in an argon and air was carried out. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, a scheme for the decomposition of PMMA, consisting of four stages, was established.