High-resolution 13C CP/MAS solid-state nmr investigation of the thermal degradation of poly(methylvinylketone)

The structural changes occurring in poly(methylvinylketone) when exposed to high temperatures have been investigated by high-resolution 13C solid-state nmr. The degradation proceeds via the aldol condensation of pendant ketone groups to form a cyclic β-hydroxy ketone which is dehydrated to the cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone. As the degradation continues there is the formation of polycyclic structures and aromatization of the sample.