Luminescence from thermally oxidized model amides in relation to nylon 66 degradation

Fluorescence and phosphorescence are observed following the mild thermal oxidation of two model compounds for nylon 66. Both emissions are remarkably similar in structure and in wavelength location to the corresponding emissions normally observed from the commercial polymer. Although the fluorescence could not be characterized, the phosphorescence exhibits several features which are clearly consistent with that of a nπ* carbonyl emission. The role of carbonyl groups in the thermal and photochemical oxidation of nylon 66 is discussed.