Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry identification of styrene cross-linked polyester and vinyl ester resins

The degradation of four styrene cross-linked polyester resins and a styrene cross-linked vinyl ester resin has been studied using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results indicate that Py-GC/MS can be used to identify resins such as orthophthalic acid-based polyesters, isophthalic acid-based polyesters and chlorendics, bisphenol A-based vinyl esters, as well as to detect the presence of halogenated flame retardant additives in these resins, on the basis of the structure of their degradation products. As the chemical resistance, thermal stability and fire and flammability properties of polymeric materials are related to the structure of the polymer and the presence of additives, Py-GC/MS can provide an insight into the final properties of cured polyester and vinyl ester resins.