TG/DTA/MS OF poly(methyl methacrylate) - The effect of particle size

Thermogravimetric analysis in conjunction with evolved gas analysis are discussed for powder PMMA, particle diameter of 0.1 mm. Furthermore, differential thermal analysis measurements were performed in both pure nitrogen and oxidative environment. These measurements are conducted to assess major differences associated with particle size. The results indicated for powder PMMA, in pure nitrogen the degradation can be described as three-step reactions, while in oxidative environment it is two-step reactions. Furthermore the reaction in both environments are mainly endothermic. This in contrast to results reported for industrial-grade PMMA with relatively larger particle size of 0.5 mm.