Thermal stability and degradation of thermally stable prepolymers under controlled atmosphere. IV-Thermal stability and degradation of cross-linked systems prepared from cyanate monomers

We report the results of a study on the thermal degradation of cyanate prepolymers and corresponding materials prepared in the molten state by the homopolymerization of monomers in a controlled atmosphere (nitrogen) and in the temperature range of 100 to 500°C. We propose degradation mechanisms for these materials based on the analysis of physicochemical data obtained by the differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of volatile organic compounds and residues after the thermal cycle. These mechanisms depend on the structure of the carbon skeleton.