Lin Qunfang

Ultrasonic degradation of polysilane polymers

The degradation of four polysilanes in solution irradiated by ultrasonic waves has been studied by measurements of reduced viscosity and dynamic mechanical behavior. In all cases ultrasonic degradation occurs. The ultrasonic waves cause the average molecular weight to decrease and the molecular-weight distribution to become narrower in a relatively short period. The degree and rate of degradation are related to the intensity of the ultrasonic waves. In addition, the degree of degradation decreases with increasing polymer concentration and the rate increases with increasing initial molecular weight of the polysilane. After irradiation, the molecular weights of polysilanes tended to the same value from various initial values.