Parameterization and Validation of Pyrolysis Models for Polymeric Materials

Abstract

A methodology for parameterization of pyrolysis models for polymeric solids is proposed. This methodology is based on a series of experiments including thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared radiation absorption measurement and controlled atmosphere, radiation-driven gasification experiments involving simultaneous sample mass and temperature monitoring. These experiments are interpreted using a transient pyrolysis model run in an infinitely fast (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) transport modes to derive a complete property set. This property set is subsequently validated by comparing the mass loss rate histories obtained from the gasification experiments to the model predictions. For a range of previously studied materials, these predictions were found to be, on average, within 10 to 20% of the experimental values. This manuscript provides an overview of this methodology, accompanied by examples of its application, identifies its imitations and suggests paths for future development.

A numerical study of thermal degradation of polymers: Surface and in-depth absorption

“…Even though some researchers considered the variation of density of material during the gasification, constant values or linear combinations between virgin polymer and molten phase monomer were utilized for thermal properties [11][12]15]. Recently, Li [17][18][19][20][21] measured the properties related with kinetics and thermodynamics of non-charring and charring polymers during the thermal degradation, including specific heat, heat of gasification and Arrhenius parameters, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods combined with a numerical pyrolysis model called ThermaKin [22]. The temperature dependent thermal conductivities of selected polymers were also obtained based on the inverse modeling [19,20].…”

A methodology for predicting and comparing the full‐scale fire performance of similar materials based on small‐scale testing

“…The authors of this study have previously developed a systematic procedure for parametrization of pyrolysis models for combustible solids. 25 In this procedure, key physical and chemical processes and properties are isolated and systematically determined through a combination of experiments and modeling. Unfortunately, this procedure relies on a set of instruments including the Controlled Atmosphere Pyrolysis Apparatus and differential scanning calorimetry that are not readily available to the fire investigation community.…”

“…The authors of this study have previously developed a systematic procedure for parametrization of pyrolysis models for combustible solids . In this procedure, key physical and chemical processes and properties are isolated and systematically determined through a combination of experiments and modeling.…”

Thermal and Fire Characteristics of FRP Composites for Architectural Applications

“…Recent work on estimation of material system pyrolysis parameters discusses the challenges faced in measuring and/or optimizing these [23,24]. To keep parameter sets from becoming impractically large, simplified decomposition reactions are important [25].…”