Kinetics of the Changes of Thermal Decomposition Spectra of Polybutylmethacrylate–Fullerene C60 Composite Subjected to Ultraviolet Irradiation

Abstract

Abstract—The kinetics of ultraviolet induced transformation of polybutylmethacrylate has been described by using thermal decomposition mass-spectra. The enhancement of the neat polymer decomposition at low temperatures is observed in the spectra after low irradiation doses. Further growth of irradiation dose results in the decrease of the total amount of the monomer formed upon thermal decomposition. In the case of the polybutylmethacrylate–fullerene C₆₀ composite the changes of the spectra are observed in the same range of irradiation doses, however, the spectral shapes and intensities have different response to irradiation compared to neat polymer. The spectral changes are interpreted to be a consequence of binding between fullerene molecule and the products of decomposition of the side ester groups.