Thermal degradation of polyurethanes investigated by direct pyrolysis in the mass spectrometer

Direct pyrolysis in the mass spectrometer yielded evidence on the mechanisms of thermal decomposition of N‐monosubstituted and N‐disubstituted polyurethanes. Our results indicate that N‐monosubstituted polyurethanes undergo quantitatively a depolycondensation process, producing diisocyanate and diol. In contrast, disubstituted polyurethanes decompose to give selectively secondary amine, olefine and CO2.