Thermal degradation kinetics of poly(arylene ether nitrile) and its cross-linked polymer

Abstract

The kinetics of the thermal degradation of poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN; cross-linked and uncross-linked) was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The corresponding kinetic parameters of PEN were determined using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and the Friedman method. The Satava method was also used to explore the probable degradation mechanisms of PEN. The results showed that the activation energy (E) obtained from the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method was in good agreement with the value obtained from the Friedman method. The solid-state decomposition mechanisms of uncross-linked and cross-linked PEN were A₂ (nucleation and growth) and R₂ type (phase boundary–controlled reaction), respectively. The E and initial decomposition temperature of cross-linked PEN were higher than those of uncross-linked PEN, which indicates that cross-linking treatment is effective in enhancing the thermal stability of PEN.