Thermal Decomposition of Graphite Fluoride. III. Thermal Decomposition of (CF)n in Oxygen Atmosphere

Abstract Thermal decomposition of (CF)n was carried out under an oxygen atmosphere. The decomposition temperature was found to be a decisive factor to control the decomposition mechanism and the structure of residual substances. The decomposition reaction proceeded faster in oxygen than in a vacuum at temperatures higher than 588 °C. However, it was reversed below 588 °C. The decomposition mechanism in high temperature region was similar to that in a vacuum. The ESCA spectra of residual substances prepared above 588 °C indicated the presence of carbon atoms which were not bonded with fluorine, namely the nuclei comprised of carbon still remained even in oxygen. The rate of the weight decrease was larger in oxygen than in a vacuum because of the reaction of carbon nuclei, which was formed by thermal decomposition, with oxygen. On the other hand, it considerably decreased below 588 °C, where no nuclei was found for any sample.