Thermal degradation of weldable poly(vinyl chloride) samples at low temperatures

A study was performed to determine possible emission products during plastic welding that may be responsible for health problems. Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) samples was carried out at 170 degrees C in a thermal desorption gas chromatography (GC) injector and in a modified impinger in a GC oven, in combination with various analytical techniques, thermogravimetric analysis, capillary GC, GC-mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and isotachophoresis. Some of the degradation products found are known to be eye irritants.