Effect of temperature and ultrasound power on the ultrasonic degradation of poly (acrylic acid)

The ultrasonic degradation of poly (acrylic acid) of molecular weight ( 450000 was studied at different temperatures and ultrasound powers in both neutral and acidic solutions. The degradation processes were studied by viscometer. When polymer solutions were subjected to ultrasound waves, the molecular weight and viscosity decrease rapidly at first and then asymptotically approach a limit value. The results indicated that the degradation of PAAc solutions decreased as the temperature increased and also it increased as the ultrasound power increased. The percent degradation was also investigated and it was observed that the percent degradation in water solvent is much more than acidic solution.