An approach to predicting and understanding thermal degradation mechanisms of
polymers is described. MOPAC PM32 calculations on Nylon 66 using the CAChe
WorkSystem3 software corroborate experimental observations4,5,6,8 and provide new
insights into the thermal degradation mechanisms of Nylon. Formation of
cyclopentanone by thermal degradation, previously reported in the literature8 as
unexplained, is hereby rationalized.