Experimental Method for Evaluating the Decomposition of Fluorocarbon Plastics by Heat

Abstract
In studying the toxicity of pyrolysis products of fluorocarbons, a time-of-flight mass spectrometer was selected for identification of decomposition fragments. Quantitative measurements were made by gas chromatography except for COF, which was collected in 0.5 N NaOH followed by determination of the fluoride. Monel metal tubes were used in the pyrolysis furnaces and temperatures were measured by thermocouples shielded with stainless steel. A cubical chamber (aluminum) of 1245-liter capacity and equipped with an airlock was used for exposure of animals to the pyrolysis products.