In‐situ hydrolysis/methylation pyrolysis CGC for the characterization of polyaramides

Some parameters influencing the in‐situ methylation by tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) during pyrolysis have been investigated with model compounds and polyaramides. Both pyrolysis temperature and excess TMAH (pH effect) influence the methylation of carboxy‐, aromatic amino‐, and hydroxyl‐functional groups. While the solvent of TMAH, i.e., methanol or water hardly influenced the methylation of the model compounds, the solvent effect was significant for the polyaramides. This can be explained by assuming a transesterification mechanism rather than hydrolysis/methylation. N‐methylation prior to the decomposition of polyaramides also may not be excluded.