Abstract
Thermal decomposition processes in unannealed and annealed nylon 66 samples were investigated by thermogravimetry, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The annealed nylon 66 was decomposed in two steps in the thermogravimetry (TG) curve at 370°C and 420°C, whereas the unannealed nylon 66 was decomposed almost completely in one step in the TG curve at 430°C. The carbonization of the unannealed sample at 530°C was more complete than that of the annealed sample and the activation energy of thermal decomposition of the former sample was slightly larger than that of the latter. The breakdown products were fragments smaller than the structural unit of nylon 66. Fourteen peaks were observed at m/z of 28 to 226 (structural unit) by increasing steps of 14 (corresponds to CH2), 15 (NH) and 28 (CO).
