A Snapshot of Thermo-Oxidative Degradation Products in Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

The products derived from thermo-oxidation of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC) and their related degradation pathways are investigated. PC degradation is carried out at 300 °C in air. The oxidized products are analyzed for the fi rst time by using direct electrospray mass spectrometry (MS) and matrixassisted laser desorption ionization time of fl ight MS. Together with the formation of bisphenol A oligomers, several new structures containing biphenyl units, phenols, acetophenones, alcohols, acids, and xanthones molecules are detected. The use of thin fi lms, instead of PC bulk, allows one to obtain precise information about mechanisms involved during thermooxidative processes and to establish a new order of priorities among the renowned degradative reactions.