Oxidative degradation of acylsemicarbazide and its polymers

Abstract This study investigates the oxidative degradation of acylsemicarbazide and its polymers upon treatment with sodium hypochlorite. Acylsemicarbazide underwent degradation to yield carboxylic acid, nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases, and an amine intermediate, which was further oxidized under the same conditions. Poly(acylsemicarbazide) exhibited rapid oxidative degradation in the presence of sodium hypochlorite, enabling the effective removal of strong poly(acylsemicarbazide) coatings from PET sheets. Similarly, coatings of acylsemicarbazide-modified polyurethane were easily removed by this treatment.