The effect of OCoAl‐LDH and OCoFe‐LDH on the combustion behaviors of polyvinyl chloride

The effects of the modified layered double hydroxide (LDH) of Co/Al (OCoAl‐LDH) and the modified LDH of Co/Fe (OCoFe‐LDH) on the combustion behaviors of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) during pyrolysis processes were compared and investigated. The thermal degradation and combustion behavior of the PVC composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), and cone calorimetry (CONE). The results indicate that the incorporation of LDHs brought about the improved thermal stability and reduced heat release of PVC composites at a high temperature. The smoke‐suppression properties of the composites are investigated by steady‐state tube furnace (SSTF), and the results indicated that the toxic gases such as CH₄, CO, and N_xO were inhibited by both of the two LDHs, but the OCoFe‐LDH has a better effect on the smoke suppression. Subsequently, the char layer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive spectrometry (SEM‐EDS) and Raman analysis. The results indicate that the LDHs can promote the dechlorination of PVC during the thermal oxidation process and can inhibit the production of HCl in inert gas. Generally, OCoAl‐LDH and OCoFe‐LDH can be potential catalysts for waste disposal and can improve the fire safety of PVC.     

Analysis of thermal decomposition products arising from polyvinyl chloride analogs by supersonic jet/multiphoton ionization/mass spectrometry

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) were thermally decomposed at 200-500 degrees C, and the reaction products measured by supersonic jet/multiphoton ionization/mass spectrometry. No precursor molecules of dioxins, such as chlorobenzene, were observed from PVC, although benzene was produced as one of the major components. On the other hand, a large peak corresponding to chlorobenzene was observed, when CPVC was used as a sample. These results suggest that the release of hydrogen chloride and aromatic ring formation occur efficiently and produce chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons only when excess chlorine atoms are present in the chain of PVC. This method, which has very high selectivity is preferred for trace analysis of specific compounds such as dioxin precursors in a complex mixture. Isomer-selective analysis, e.g. detection of o-, m-, and p-dichlorobenzenes, is also demonstrated in this study.     

Photo-oxidation of poly(vinyl chloride)

The photo-oxidation of PVC has been studied over the temperature range 30–150°C. Initiation with ultraviolet (2537A) radiation has been correlated with the presence of minute amounts of ozone. The contribution of atomic oxygen and singlet oxygen (¹Δ_g) molecules to the initiation mechanism is discussed. The β-chloroketones probably formed in the photo-oxidation of PVC, decomposed according to a Norrish type I reaction without loss of chlorine atoms. The gaseous products of the photo-oxidation of PVC at 30°C were carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. Hydrogen chloride was obtained only when PVC was heated at high temperatures. When PVC was photo-oxidized and then heated at high temperature, benzene was obtained in addition to hydrogen chloride. The gaseous products from the photo-oxidations of model compounds, such as 4-chloro-2-butanone and 2,4-dichloropentane, were also compared with those from PVC. Hydrogen chloride was detected only after photo-oxidation at temperatures of 25°C or higher. Therefore, it was concluded that hydrogen chloride is mainly a product of thermal decomposition. Since unsaturation was not observed in photo-oxidized PVC films, the cause of discoloration is unclear. When PVC was modified by stabilizers or additives, the oxidative degradation was further complicated by side reactions with the additives.     

Thermal and burning properties of wood flour-poly(vinyl chloride) composite

The present study deals with the effects of wood flour on thermal and burning properties of wood flour-poly(vinyl chloride) composites (WF-PVC) using thermogravimetric (TG), cone calorimetry (CONE), and pyrolysis?Cgas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py?CGC/MS). TG tests show that an interaction occurred between wood flour and PVC during the thermal degradation of WF-PVC. Wood flour decreased the temperature of onset of decomposition of PVC. However, the char formation could be increased by adding wood flour to PVC. CONE test indicates that wood flour had positive effects on heat release and smoke emission of PVC. Comparing with PVC, WF-PVC reduced average heat release rate and the peak HRR by about 14 and 28%, respectively; smoke production rate was also decreased. The degradation mechanism was studied by Py?CGC/MS. The results show that the volatile pyrolysis products of WF-PVC are very different from PVC. The yields of HCl and aromatic compounds decreased dramatically, and the aliphatic compounds increased by the incorporation of WF.     

Investigations on poly(vinyl chloride). I. Evolution of aromatics on pyrolysis of poly(vinyl chloride) and its mechanism

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) alone or mixed with 10 wt-% and 50 wt-% TiO₂, SnO₂, ZnO, and Al₂O₃ were pyrolyzed by using a pyrolysis gas chromatograph. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, styrene, naphthalene, and various chlorobenzenes were identified. No hydrocarbons could be detected in pyrolysis products of any samples at 200°C. More aromatic hydrocarbons than aliphatic hydrocarbons are released from the PVC–TiO₂ system and in preheated PVC. The contrary result is observed in the PVC–ZnO and PVC–SnO₂ systems. Aromatics having methyl endgroups are easily released from the PVC–ZnO and PVC–SnO₂ systems and at elevated pyrolysis temperature, because methylene groups are easily isolated along the chain by ZnO, SnO₂ and the heating. The release of ethylbenzene o-xylene, and chlorobenzenes suggests a repeated dehydrochlorination and recombination of HCl and Cl₂ to double bonds along the chain. Possible decomposition mechanisms of PVC are discussed.     

Flammability and thermal degradation behavior of ethylene‐vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides/zinc borate composites

Mg‐Al‐Fe ternary‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized by a calcination‐rehydration method using Bayer red mud. The products were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The flammability and thermal degradation of ethylene‐vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides/zinc borate (EVA/LDHs/ZB) composites were studied with limiting oxygen index, UL 94, cone calorimeter test, smoke density test, and thermogravimetry‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Although limiting oxygen index value of the composites decreased with increasing ZB amount, a suitable addition of ZB can apparently improve the UL 94 rating of the material. The heat release rate of the 5% ZB containing ternary composites decreased compared with the EVA/LDHs composites. It is obtained from smoke density test that ZB could help smoke suppression. The ternary composites possessed a higher thermal stability than the EVA/LDHs composites. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of heptamolybdate‐intercalated MgAl LDHs and its application in polyurethane elastomer

Heptamolybdate (Mo₇O₂₄^6?) was intercalated in the interlayer space between MgAl‐layered double hydroxides (Mo‐MgAl LDHs) by the hydrothermal and ion exchange method, and then polyurethane elastomer (PUE) based composites were prepared by the prepolymerization method with different amounts of Mo‐MgAl LDHs. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the obtained LDHs. The performance of the PUE/LDHs were evaluated by measuring their thermal gravimetric, heat release rate (HRR), and smoke density (Ds). The results show that PUE/LDH composites exhibit a lower peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), Ds, and a prolonged combustion time, in comparison with neat PUE. Comparison between NO₃‐MgAl LDHs and Mo‐MgAl LDHs containing composites show that the introduction of Mo⁶⁺ is able to facilitate flame retardance and smoke suppression efficiency, which results mainly from the presence of MoO₃ derived from the decomposition of Mo₇O₂₄^6? intercalated LDHs. Mo‐MgAl LDHs reduce the pk‐HRR of composites by 39% with only 1 wt.% content, and the maximum Ds of composites is reduced to a minimal value of 274 with 10 wt.% Mo‐MgAl LDHs. More importantly, LDHs would improve the mechanical properties at a low content. The experimental results reveal the potential of Mo₇O₂₄^6? intercalated LDHs to improve both the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of PUE. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antimicrobial,mechanical, optical and thermal properties of PVC/ZnO‐EDTA nanocomposite films

Covalent surface functionalization of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NP)s with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was successfully carried out. Modified ZnO‐EDTA NPs as a viable and inexpensive filler were incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) PVC matrix after their chemical modification to investigate the agglomeration behavior. All prepared materials including modified NPs and PVC/ZnO‐EDTA nanocomposites (NC)s were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fabricated PVC/ZnO‐EDTA NCs were reported to have high transparency and improved mechanical properties compared with PVC. Modified ZnO and the fabricated NCs were shown to exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against two bacteria species: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained NCs could be considered as self‐extinguishing materials on the basis of the LOI values. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Graft modification of poly(vinyl chloride) and related reactions

Cationically polymerizable olefins can be efficiently grafted onto poly(vinyl chloride) in the presence of alkylaluminum compounds. The substitution of labile chlorines in PVC by various branches yields a product of improved thermal stability as compared with unmodified PVC. Thus the grafting of a few per cent of polyisobutylene or poly-butadiene onto PVC gives graft copolymers superior in thermal stability to the PVC backbone, as determined by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses as well as color development of molded films. At advanced stages of thermal degradation the thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride)-g-isobutylene) (PVC-g-PIB is some 40°C superior to the unmodified PVC. In addition to grafting of polymer chains onto the PVC backbone, other methods are also available to achieve improved thermal stability. In pentane suspension, alkylaluminum compounds efficiently alkylate labile chlorines in PVC, and the product exhibits improved thermal stability. Alternatively, PVC carbonium ions can alkylate aromatic compounds, and these products also exhibit high heat stability. Based on the assumption that certain alkylaluminums quantitatively react with labile chlorines in PVC, it was estimated that 2–3% of the chlorines present in suspension-grade PVC are labile.     

Using cone calorimeter to study thermal degradation of flexible PVC filled with zinc ferrite and Mg(OH)2

Flame-retarded poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) materials have been prepared by using zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄ (ZFO)) combined with magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂ (MH)). The effects of these additives on the combustion and thermal degradation of PVC samples were studied using the limiting oxygen index test, the smoke density rating test, thermogravimetric–differential thermogravimetry, and the cone calorimeter test. The results showed that ZFO and MH were good synergists for improving the flame retardancy and smoke-suppressing of PVC/MH/ZFO blends. ZFO can significantly improve the maximum mass loss velocity in the first stage, and reduce the initial decomposition temperature and the decomposition range in the PVC/MH/ZFO blends. The char yield at 700 °C of flame-retarded PVC clearly decreased below theoretical values due to the cationic cracking reactions in the presence of ZFO. Furthermore, the PVC/10MH/10ZFO showed strong flame-retarding synergism since the decreased average heat release rate value. And the PVC/19MH/1ZFO presented a significant smoke-suppressing effect by the least average specific extinction area, peak smoke production rate, and total smoke produce. Moreover, the CO and CO₂ production was increased because of a large amount of fragment of char residue in contact air in the presence of ZFO.     

Phosphorus‐containing polyamide Mg(OH)2 nanocomposite coating on surface of poly(vinyl chloride) thin film: Study on thermal stability,flammability, and mechanical properties

Surface of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) thin films was coated using DOPO‐based polyamide (DBPA) coating and DBPA/Mg(OH)₂ nanocomposites (DBPN) coating by dip‐coating process. For this purpose, a new DOPO‐based dicarboxylic acid (DBDA) was synthesized and used for preparation of DBPA and organically surface modification of Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles. The effects of DBPA and DBPN coatings on the morphology, thermal stability, combustion, and mechanical properties of PVC were investigated. The uniform dispersion of Mg(OH)₂ nanoparticles (nano‐MDH) and organically coating manner on the surface of the PVC films were confirmed by ATR‐IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray, and elemental mapping. From thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) results, the 10 mass% loss temperature (T₁₀) increased from 268°C to 272°C in PVC coated with DBPA‐containing 10 mass% of modified Mg(OH)₂ (MMH). Also the char residue, first and second mass loss temperatures of all PVC coated were increased compared with the neat PVC film. According to microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) results, the peak of heat release rate (pHHR) and total heat release (THR) were decreased from 128 ± 2 to 69 W/g and 12 ± 1 to 4 ± 2 KJ/g for PVC film coated with DBPA‐containing 10 mass% of MMH, compared with the neat PVC. From tensile test results, tensile strength was increased from 31.78 ± 0.8 to 39.64 ± 0.9 MPa for PVC coated with polyamide‐containing 5 mass% of MMH compared with the neat PVC.     

Studies of the effects of copper, copper(II) oxide and copper(II) chloride on the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride)

Investigations of the pyrolysis of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in the presence of copper metal (Cu), copper(II) oxide (CuO) and copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂) are of potential importance because of the likelihood of the formation of these copper compounds during the thermal degradation of PVC-coated copper wires, a step in the recovery of copper from waste. The presence of Cu, CuO and CuCl₂ (i) retards the thermal degradation of PVC in air and in nitrogen and (ii) decreases the percentages of volatile products produced at both stages of the decomposition. These effects are greatest for PVC-CuO. The presence of copper, CuO or CuCl₂ in PVC has a major effect on the nature of the gaseous emissions of the thermal decomposition in air and in nitrogen. The concentrations of total chlorine, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and soot particulates are all affected relative to an equivalent amount of PVC. These changes are greatest for the PVC-CuO system for which total chlorine emissions in air and nitrogen are reduced by 40% in air and 20% in nitrogen, benzene emissions are reduced by greater than 90% in air and nitrogen, other aromatic and chloroaromatic emissions are reduced, and soot particulate emissions are reduced by more than 50% as the concentrations of aliphatic compounds are increased. These changes are consistent with the presence of copper or its compounds permitting more efficient combustion of the carbon content of the PVC and particularly in the case of PVC-CuO with the removal of chlorine during pyrolysis in the inorganic phase.     

A synergistic organoiron flame-retarding/smoke-suppressing system for ABS

Commercial acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymers are among the most flammable of the currently available range of thermoplastic materials. In addition to having a rather low limiting oxygen index (LOI) value in the range 18.3–18.8, ABS polymers also produce compious amounts of smoke and hazardous gases when burnign in the air. In a recent study directed towards preparing and evaluating compounds which would simultaneously reduce the flammability and smoke produced from burning thermoplastic polymers, a synergistic flame-retarding/smoke-suppressing system based on organoiron compounds has been produced, which when properly compounded into ABS/PVC [poly(vinyl chloride)] blends more than doubles the LOI nad at the same time reduces smoke production significantly.     

High-temperature pyrolysis of poly(vinyl chloride): Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of the pyrolysis products from PVC resin and plastisols

A pyrolysis–gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric technique for analyzing the pyrolysis products from polymers in an inert atmosphere is described. Initial studies encompassing the pyrolysis of poly(vinyl chloride) homopolymer and a series of PVC plastisols (based on o-phthalate esters) have provided a complete qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the pyrolysis products from these materials. PVC resin yields a series of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons when pyrolyzed at 600°C; the amount of aromatic products is greater than the amount of aliphatic products. Benzene is the major organic degradation product. A typical PVC plastisol [PVC/o-dioctyl phthalate (100/60)] yields, upon pyrolysis, products that are characteristic of both the PVC matrix and the phthalate plasticizer. The pyrolysis products from the plasticizer dilute those from the PVC portion of the plastisol and are, in turn, the major degradation products. There are no degradation products resulting from an interaction of the PVC with the plastisol. The pyrograms resulting from pyrolysis of the various plastisols of PVC can be used for purposes of “fingerprinting.” Identification of the major peaks in a typical plastisol pyrogram provides information leading to a precise identification of the plasticizer. The pyrolysis data from this study were related to a special case of flammability and toxicity.     

Comprehensive study on reinforcement of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposite films with ZnO nanoparticles modified by citric acid and vitamin C

We reported a general facile approach for modifying NPs and incorporating them into PVC polymer via ultrasonic irradiation. ZnO nanoparticles (NP)s modified with ascorbic acid (AS) and citric acid (CA) were employed to investigate the agglomeration behavior under poly(vinyl chloride) PVC matrix. To compare and determine the suitable construction, the prepared PVC/ZnO-CA-AS NCs (4, 8, 12?wt%) were characterized. UV-visible measurements indicate, increasing absorption value results in an increase of ZnO content. According to the obtained information from the TGA of the NCs, further increases in modified ZnO results in an increase in flame-retardancy. The mechanical properties investigation revealed improvement of the elongation at maximum stress.     

Fire‐Safe Polyesters Enabled by End‐Group Capturing Chemistry

Upon heating, polyesters decompose to small molecules and release flammable volatiles and toxic gases, primarily through chain scission of their ester linkages, and therefore exhibit poor fire‐safety properties, thus restricting their applications. Reported herein is an end‐group‐capturing effect of (bis)oxazoline groups, generated from the thermal rearrangement of the N‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide (HPI) moiety which was incorporated into the polyester chain by copolymerization. These copolyesters, as a result, exhibit high efficiency in retarding decomposition by capturing the decomposed products, particularly for the carbonyl‐terminated fragments, thus increasing the fire‐safety properties, such as self‐extinguishing, anti‐dripping, and inhibiting heat release and smoke production. The successful application of this method in both semi‐aromatic and aliphatic polyesters provide promising perspectives to designing versatile fire‐safe polymers.     

Waste poly(vinyl chloride) pyrolysis with hydrogen chloride abatement by steelmaking dust

Experimental study on PVC-based materials (PVC = poly(vinyl chloride)) pyrolysis; in the presence of various amounts of steelmaking dust was performed. Dust from steel manufacture employing zinc plated scrap contains a considerable amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) and its utilization in metallurgy is quite complicated. However, the dust can react with hydrogen chloride (HCl) released from heated PVC in the temperature range of 200–400°C. Material balance of the pyrolysis process was studied by thermogravimetry, and the data obtained were compared with the results of larger laboratory oven experiments. In excess of PVC, the amount of captured HCl stoichiometrically corresponds to the content of ZnO; additional HCl is probably captured by FeCl₂, while FeCl₃ is not formed at elevated temperatures. In excess of the dust, the captured amount of HCl is approximately 100%. The suggested co-pyrolysis seems to be a promising method to prevent the formation of dangerous chlorinated organic compounds during the thermal treatment of waste PVC. Furthermore, the obtained ZnCl₂ is a valuable material and the zinc depleted dust can be reused in metallurgy instead of its disposal.     

Thermal decomposition products of a chlorinated aromatic polyamide

Products from the thermal decomposition of a chlorinated aromatic polyamide fabric are described for conditions of pyrolysis and flaming and nonflaming oxidative degradation. Volatile degradation products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the condensible fraction, by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and MS. Nonvolatile char was characterized by IR and elemental analysis. Twenty-one compounds were identified as volatile products from pyrolysis at 550°C; the condensible material contained ammonium chloride and at least 22 organic compounds. From volatile compounds produced in flaming oxidative degradation 21 compounds were identified, of which CO, CO₂, and H₂O were prominent. Nonflaming oxidative degradation at 400 and 550°C produced 11 and 21 volatile identifiable compounds, respectively, and results from experiments at the higher temperature compared favorably with results from the flaming experiments. By comparison of data from this work with those from unchlorinated analogs (described in an earlier article), it is concluded that the incorporation of chlorine into the polymeric structure lowers the temperature for the onset of thermal degradation and alters the type and concentration of thermolytic products. The major degradation products can be explained by a mechanism similar to that proposed for aromatic polyamides with the exception of the formation of substantial amounts of ammonium chloride. It is proposed that the latter is formed by an initial acid-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction which is followed by deammoniation or by an intermolecular process that involves an isoimide intermediate.     

Fire performance of poly(vinyl chloride) and its relation to fire hazard

This paper discusses the most important parameters in terms of fire hazard and shows how PVC fares in relation to other polymers. The fire properties specifically addressed are: ignitability, flammability, flame spread, rate and amount of heat release, mass loss rate, smoke release and toxicity. Hydrogen chloride decay is also commented on, because it affects the toxicity of PVC smoke. The individual parameter most relevant to fire hazard is heat release. The two most useful tools for measuring rate of heat release (viz. the OSU and Cone calorimeters) are described. Results obtained from them are discussed. Smoke can best be measured by combined parameters from rate of heat release calorimeters, rather than in the traditional static NBS smoke chamber. Toxic hazard is being addressed by recognition that most smokes are of similar toxicity, so that the mass loss rate will, generally, govern the toxicity of smoke. Not all fire tests are equally good representations of the probable consequences of a full-scale fire. Fire hazard assessment is best carried out based on those test results most relevant to real fires; they can be obtained from small and full-scale experiments and fire models. The fire performance of PVC is excellent; PVC products generally represent low fire hazard in a scenario.     

The effects of wood-flour on combustion and thermal degradation behaviors of PVC in wood-flour/poly(vinyl chloride) composites

The effects of wood-flour on combustion and thermal degradation behaviors of PVC in wood-flour/poly (vinyl chloride) composites (WF-PVC) were investigated by using cone calorimeter (CONE) and TGA. The results show that thermal degradation behavior of WF-PVC composites has obvious characteristics of that of PVC. Interactions occur between wood-flour and PVC during the combustion and thermal degradation of WF-PVC composites. The thermal degradation of wood-flour can be accelerated by pure PVC. Moreover, the char formation can be raised by adding wood-flour to PVC. Compared with PVC at all flaming stage, when heat flux is kept at 50 kW m⁻², the average heat release rate (av-HRR), the total heat release (THR), the total smoke production (TSP) and the average specific extinction area (av-SEA) of WF-PVC composites are respectively reduced by 44%, 9.2%, 25.8% and 29.9%. In WF-PVC composites, the wood-flour has remarkable effects on the properties of heat release and smoke release of PVC.