Self-Diagnostic Polymers-Inline Detection of Thermal Degradation of Unsaturated Poly(ester imide)s

Monitoring polymer degradation is an important quest, particularly relevant for industry. Although many indirect methodologies for assessing polymer degradation exist, only few are applicable for an inline-monitoring via optic detection-systems. An inline-monitoring system is introduced for the thermal degradation of crosslinked poly(ester imide)s (PEIs) by embedding trifluoroacetyl functionalized stilbene molecules, serving as chemosensors to track the release of generated alcoholic byproducts. Nucleophilic addition of an alcohol to the sensors trifluoroacetyl functionality triggers hemiacetal formation which is accompanied by significant changes in optical properties, in turn allowing monitoring of sensor activation by direct spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy offers an easy detection tool for the inline thermal monitoring of PEI-degradation.

Automated summary

This study introduces an inline-monitoring system for assessing polymer degradation using optical detection systems. By embedding trifluoroacetyl functionalized stilbene molecules in crosslinked poly(ester imide)s (PEIs), chemosensors are able to track the release of alcoholic byproducts, allowing for direct spectroscopy monitoring of sensor activation. Fluorescence spectroscopy provides an easy detection tool for inline thermal monitoring of PEI degradation.