Analysis of polymer surfaces by SIMS. 12. On the fragmentation of acrylic and methacrylic homopolymers and the interpretation of their positive and negative ion spectra

Abstract The positive and negative ion spectra from homologous series of alkyl methacrylate, hydroxyalkyl methacrylate and alkyl acrylate polymers; poly (methacrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic anhydride) are reported. A systematic interpretation of the spectra can be accomplished on the basis of fragmentation pathways consistent with the known effects of other ionizing radiations. The negative ion spectra, previously little studied, are a powerful probe of structure for this class of polymer.