Thermal decomposition mechanism of PBAMO

Thermal decomposition kinetics of poly(3, 3-bisazidomethyloxetane) (PBAMO) were studied by model-free method, and thermal decomposition products were measured using combination technology of thermogravimetry/infrared spectrum/mass spectrometry (TG-IR-MS) as well. PBAMO exhibits unique decomposition process: there is no obvious weight loss stage in the TG curves after the decomposition of azide group at 210°C~270°C. The activation energy is about 150 kJ/mol at the first stage of decomposition. However, the activation energy becomes negative when the conversion is more than 0.4. The results of TG-IR-MS show that heat release in the decomposition of azide group accelerates the oxidation process of the surplus nitrogen atom, and the main product is NO. Carbon chain residues are left over caused by the consumption of oxygen.