Thermal decomposition of cross-linked polybutadiene and its copolymers

Polybutadiene and two copolymers containing butadiene and styrene have been cross-linked by thermal processes, by the use of initiators in solution: and by intimately mixing an initiator with the polymer and then heating this blend. The most efficient crosslinking process is the use of an intimate blend of the initiator and polymer. Most cross-linking processes lower the onset temperature of degradation, presumably because chain scission reactions occur simultaneously with cross-linking, while also increasing the fraction of non-volatile residue which is produced. It is believed that the density of cross-links is responsible for the increased yield of non-volatile residue. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.