Characterization of Polymer Decomposition in an Inert Atmosphere by Thermogravimetry

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Abstract
The paper reports weight loss vs temperature data for the pyrolytic decomposition of polyethylene, Polyvinylchloride; natural, styrene-butadiene and isopreneisobutene rubbers. A nonisothermal kinetic treatment is developed, based on proposals by Doyle and by Newkirk, resulting in characterization of the pyrolysis by two principal parameters, the “integral procedural decomposition temperature” (Tp) and the “procedural activation energy” (Ep). The effects of environmental variables are discussed and it is concluded that Ep is insensitive to detailed procedural variation but appears to reflect differences in stability between polymers. For a number of polymers, the values obtained agree well with values from isothermal measurements reported in the literature. An indication is given of how the method may be used to assess rapidly the effects of compounding on the pyrolytic stability of polymers.

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