PVC plastisols decomposition by FT-IR spectroscopy

A specially designed cell, as described in previous papers, has been used to study the dynamic in situ decomposition of PVC plastisols by FT-IR. The FT-IR spectra provides a new point of view into the intricate problem of the effect of the plasticizers (compatibility and concentration) in the PVC decomposition. A qualitative description of the changes observed in the plastisols spectra is presented. Firstly, the bands due to the plasticizer disappear at temperatures in good accordance with those observed for the plasticizer evaporation in the thermogravimetric decomposition of the PVC plastisol. The plasticizer evaporation leads to a spectrum very similar to that obtained when the PVC is alone at the same temperature. After plasticizer evaporation changes observed in plastisols decomposition are similar to those previously reported with respect to resins decomposition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.