Kinetic study of thermo-oxidative degradation of trans-polyalkenamers

The behaviour of some polyalkenamers under thermal oxidation was examined. Gel content and spectral data were used to characterise thermal stability over the temperature range from 110 to 160degreesC. The main kinetic parameters (oxidation induction time, period of propagation stage, oxidation rate, activation energy of oxidation and life-time of precursors) were calculated. Detailed considerations on the degradation process are presented and the differences between cis and trans configurations are emphasised. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.