Degradation kinetics of polyanethole: A newly synthesized green polymer

The non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of polyanethole (PA), a newly synthesized “green” polymer was investigated using TGA and DTG techniques. Evaluation of the TGA data with the Friedman method produced results which suggest that the degradation of PA is controlled by the rate of a single-step reaction with an estimated E and Ln(A) values of 255.249 ± 6.3 kJ/mol and 47.956 ± 0.27min−1 respectively. These values were validated by E values from the Starink and Coats-Redfern methods. The estimated value of E does not tally with the bond dissociation energy of the groups in PA which reveals that the rate determining reaction (rds) involves a post chain-scission reaction. Based on the variation of E and the reaction rate with conversion, we speculate that the rate determining step involves reactions between intermediate aromatic radicals and PA. This reaction was found to be well described by Avrami-Erofeev model. The present study is the first step in understanding the plausible decomposition route of PA. [Display omitted] •Kinetic triplet of a new green polymer –polyanethole (PA) is investigated.•PA is inherently stable with activated energy (Ea) value of 255.249 ± 6.3 kJ/mol.•Ea varies minimally with conversion shows PA has a single decomposition reaction.•Thermal decomposition of PA follows the Avrami-Erofeev model.•Reaction between PA and decomposition radicals is likely the rate determining step.