4. Polymer analysis after processing

The technique of choice for polymer analysis is PY/CG/MS. For thermosets, which are insoluble and infusible after processing, this is the only way to analyze their structure.

The choice of pyrolysis temperature depends on the thermogravimetric analyses that can be carried out together. The temperatures most representative of the successive mass losses recorded are chosen. Figure 3 shows the thermogram of a styrene/dicyclopentadiene copolymer (DCPD) on which the temperatures chosen for pyrolysis have been mentioned. The higher the temperature, the greater the quantity and number of products released. To facilitate polymer analysis, it is advisable to carry out several successive analyses, at increasingly higher temperatures. Beyond...