The composition and structure of solid char residues after thermal degradation of polystyrene, PVC and polyamide. Part I

Abstract The study of char residues after thermal degradation of synthetic polymers, especially the identification of their morphology, structure and chemical composition is presented in this paper. Special attention was focused on the polystyrene, PVC and polyamide char residues. By means of microscopy in reflected light and reflected polarized light the manifestations of optical anisotropy were observed. X‐ray analysis was used for the examination of the microstructure of PVC char residues carbonized at temperatures above 1000°C. For PVC char residues the electric resistivity was determined. The results have proved the close connection between the structure and properties of char residues and the intensity and course of thermal degradation of polymers.