Effect of metal substrate (Al, Cu, Ag, and Au) on the photodegradation of polymers: Polyacrylonitrile

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1366/0003702874448201· OSTI ID:6444615

Welch, W F; Graham, S M; Chughatai, A R; Smith, D M; Schissel, P

Al-backed PVF film shows more photodegradation than does the nonmetalized PVF film. The effect of several metal substrates (Al, Cu, Ag, and Au) on the photodegradation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has been examined. Under oxidative conditions, the order of PAN photodegradation in M/PAN films is shown to be Cu/PAN>>PAN>>Al/PAN>Au/PAN>Ag/PAN. Formation of carbonyl group during the photodegradation is predominant in the cases of Al and Au. Under nonoxidative conditions there is no evidence of carbonyl group formation, but the photodegradation of Cu/PAN is still substantial. Under oxidative conditions the Cu/PAN film begins the char after approximately one hour, compared with four and a half hours under nonoxidative conditions. The photodegradation mechanism in the range of 250 less than or equal to lambda less than or equal to 400 nm suggests the formation of M(CN)/sub x/ species, but no such species are detected spectroscopically at the energy employed. A catalytic effect of metal films on the photodegradation of PAN is observed.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado 80208 (W.F.W., S.M.G., A.R.C., D.M.S.); and Solar Energy Research Institute, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, Colorado 80401 (P.S.)
• OSTI ID: 6444615
• Journal Information: Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States), Vol. 41:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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