The study of non-isothermal degradation of acrylic ion-exchange resins

Summary

The thermal behavior under non-isothermal conditions of some low-acidity carboxylic cationites with acrylic-divinylbenzene (DVB) matrix was investigated in air and nitrogen atmosphere up to 600°C. Thermal analysis (TG/DTG) combined with Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the resins decomposition steps and the degradation products. Five decomposition steps were observed. The first step is due to elimination of osmotic and bound water. The second decomposition step is due to dehydration of neighboring (-COOH) groups. The third and fourth mass-loss steps correspond to decarboxylation of the polyanhydrides and to some depolymerization of the polymeric matrix. The last decomposition step is associated with total degradation of the polymeric matrix. The shape and the temperature for each decomposition steps depend on the experimental conditions (heating rate and degradation atmosphere) and on the sample properties (i.e. granulation, cross-linking degree, porosity and physical form).