Thermal degradation of polyacrylamide and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylate)

The thermal degradation behavior of polyacrylamide and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylate) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and carbon-13 solid state nuclear magnetic resonance. The degradation products over the temperature range of 115–450°C were characterized. Mechanisms are proposed for the degradation processes involved.