Thermogravimetric and mass‐spectrometric study of the thermal decomposition of PBCT resins

T. John Thomas, V. N. Krishnamurthy, U. S. Nandi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of three commercial samples of carboxy‐terminated polybutadiene (PBCT) resins was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates varying from 2° to 100°C/min. Kinetic parameters of the decomposition process at different heating rates were evaluated by means of the Fuoss method.1 The decomposition process and the activation energy values are found to be dependent on heating rate. Mass‐spectrometric analysis of the decomposition products shows that the pyrolysis products of PBCT resins are mainly low molecular weight hydrocarbons: ethylene, acetylene, butadiene, propadiene, vinylcyclohexene, etc. The rates of evolution of these hydrocarbon products vary with the carboxy content of the PBCT resin. Based on this, a carbonium ion mechanism has been suggested for the thermal decomposition. The data generated from this work are of importance for a consideration of the mechanism of combustion of composite solid propellants based on PBCT binders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1797-1808
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume24
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 1979
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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