Novel method for polystyrene reactions at low temperature

Thermal decomposition reactions of polystyrene using a new heating medium were carried out by a batch system at 190-280degreesC to clarify the manner in which decomposition is initiated. Polystyrene obtained from a commercial source and low molecular weight compounds obtained from the thermal decomposition were analyzed by GC, GPC, IR, C-13-NMR and GC-MS. The main chain underwent virtually no change by heat application. Polystyrene underwent decomposition below its molding temperature and the major decomposition products were 2,4,6-triphenyl-1-hexene (trimer), 2,4-diphenyl-1-butene (dimer) and styrene (monomer). Ethylbenzene, propylbenzene, naphthalene, benzaldehyde, biphenyl and 1,3-diphenylpropane were detected as minor products. This paper presents a new method for examining the decomposition of polystyrene at low temperature into volatile low molecular weight compounds.