The effects of alkali halides on the nonoxidative thermal degradations of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) are described. The magnitudes of the effects of various alkali halides on polymer thermal degradations were found to depend on the salt and the polymer. Mass spectrometric analysis of volatiles evolved during polymer degradation detected alkyl halides formed by reactions between the salts and polymers. Compared to poly(methyl methacrylate), more alkyl halide was evolved from samples containing alkali halides and poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate). To varying degrees, salts also catalyzed ester decomposition reactions for this polymer. Infrared spectroscopic analysis results showed that carboxylate salts, carbonate, and carbon monoxide were formed by heating polymer/salt mixtures.