Review of oxidative degradations of certain heterocyclic polymers

The curing and decompositions of polyphenylenes and several nitrogen-containing condensation polymers, particularly polybenzimidazoles and pyrones, are reviewed critically. It is concluded that the condensations are usually imperfect and incomplete and that in most of the published work the late stages of the condensation are complicated by the beginnings of the charring and carbonization processes. Most discussions of mechanisms in this range are highly speculative and of little value. The most promising fields for further research are at lower temperatures, where slow oxidation processes deserve study, and at higher temperatures, where it may be possible to influence carbonization processes to obtain better products.