Review on chemical reactions of burning poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA

Chemical reactions of burning Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are reviewed in this paper although kinetics of thermal decomposition are believed to be fairly simple. Basically, there are three stages in the combustion of PMMA. Firstly, PMMA decomposes to produce monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA). Secondly, monomer MMA decomposes to generate small gaseous molecules that are usually combustible. Finally, these small molecules undergo combustion. Recent studies on the thermal decomposition kinetics and thermal stability of PMMA are also introduced. Results are useful for understanding the heat released of burning PMMA per unit mass of oxygen. Finally, the effects of additives on thermal decomposition are also discussed.