Further evidence is presented to show that when cellulose is heated it undergoes two competitive reactions. The actual sequence of these is clarified, being different from that previously postulated. The natures of these reactions are studied, activation energies are determined, and their possible mechanisms are suggested. The thermogram for levoglucosan decomposition is given and briefly discussed.

Differential thermal analysis was used to study the thermal brealtdown of balsam fir and its components in air from 50" to 420' C. In this range, the thermogram of balsam fir is simply a composite of the individual thermograms of the components of the wood, with little, if any, interaction between the components.

No abstract

A limitation of the differential thermal analysis apparatus reported by Hans J. Borchardt1 is that it cannot be used to study liquids or substances that melt below 350°C. The sample holders are not always sufficiently tight to prevent leakage of liquids. Present

over-all chain mechanism, the mathematical treatment of chain reactions and finally chapters containing detailed accounts of selected examples of spontaneously explosive reactions and addition polymerization mechanisms.In the reviewer's opinion Professor Dainton has clearly realized his objectives of providing an introduction to the subject for students at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, and at the same time providing a stimulus to researchers in reaction kinetics and allied areas to delve further into the original literature on chain reactions.In short, chemists in all fields of kinetics, photochemistry, pyrolytic reactions, polymerization processes, explosions, etc., will find that "Chain Reactions" is one of those books that is a "must" in one's personal technical library.