DTA and DSC studies on polymers containing fire retardants

Abstract

This publication surveys the results obtained by means of thermal analysis particularly with DTA and DSC methods in the field of synthetic and natural polymers treated with various flame retardant additives.The 167 references citated cover the most important territories of the up to date problems.For several years, differential thermal analysis (DTA and DSC) have been widely used as a screening test and for quality control purposes. The most convenient method for studying polymer oxidation by DTA or DSC is to use the instrument in isothermal mode. Typically, thermal equilibrium is established with nitrogen flowing over the sample and the gas is then changed to oxygen or air.In the instruments, a Perkin-Elmer model DSC-2 Calorimeter and SETARAM-DSC III are well known. The capability of the DSC III for doing a gas sweeping of the sample allows the study of solid-gas reactions. The quantitative measurements obtained with different gases are reproducible and can be compared because the sensitivity of the calorimeter is not modified by the nature and the flow-rate of the gas.In the Perkin-Elmer Model DSC-2, the sample weighing between 1 and 20 mg is placed in an open pan in the DSC head, the sample cup closed with a perforated cover and the head closed. At this stage, Billingham et al, found that the temperature was 320 K and an oxygen flow of 30 ml min-1 was maintained in the head. The sample was heated to the required temperature at 320 K min-1 and the recorder and data logger started at the point where thermal equilibrium was indicated. There was a small thermal lag involved due to the sample melting, but this took less than 1 minute and they found this method easier than attempting to change the flowing gas, because of the long gas flow path of the DSC head.

Thermal behaviour of rigid polyurethane foams

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By means of a combined thermal analysis technique,, the thermal behaviour of rigid polyurethane foams containing additive antipyrenes was studied. Systematic studies [6][7][8][9] in this field, however, are still scarce.The aim of this work was to study the effect of additive antipyrenes with different compositions and structures on the mechanism and kinetics of the total thermal decomposition reactions of RPUF, and the possibility of evaluating their effectiveness as combustion inhibitors.

More steps of decomposition were formed and the interval of decomposition was widened and shifted to higher temperatures.…”