Pyrolysis modeling of PVC and PMMA using a distributed reactivity model. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhargava, Abhishek; van Hees, Patrick; Andersson, Berit
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 129(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Pyrolysis modeling -- Thermal degradation -- Fire behavior -- Distributed activation energy model (DAEM); Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.04.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Abstract: The thermal decomposition kinetics of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was studied by thermogravimetry using non isothermal experiments. A detailed kinetic analysis was done using the isoconversional methods (model-free) (including Friedman, Kissinger-Akhaira-Sunose (KAS) and Kissinger methods) and distributed reactivity model (model-fitting). The overall aim was to retrieve kinetic parameters of the model describing the differential thermogravimetric (DTG) curve. For distributed reactivity models, both double and multi-Gaussian methods were used to explain the thermal decomposition process in these polymers. Apparent kinetic parameters were retrieved using optimization calculations with a newly developed computer code using MATLAB ® involving pattern search algorithm. Modeling results were compared with the experimental data obtained in a simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA). Agreement between experimental tests and simulations showed good results for fire modeling applications for these polymers.