Thermal degradation of PVC cable insulation studied by simultaneous TG-FTIR and TG-EGA methods

Thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) coupled with evolved gas analysis (MS detection) of volatiles was used to characterize the thermal behavior of commercial PVC cable insulation material during heating in the range 20-800°C in air and nitrogen, respectively. In addition, simultaneous TG/FTIR was used to elucidate chemical processes that caused the thermal degradation of the sample. A good agreement between results of the methods was found. The thermal degradation of the sample took place in three temperature ranges, namely 200-340, 360-530 and 530-770°C. The degradation of PVC backbone started in the range 200-340°C accompanied by the release of HCl, H₂O, CO₂ and benzene. The non-isothermal kinetics of thermal degradation of the PVC cable insulation in the temperature range 200-340°C was determined from TG results measured at heating rates of 1.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 K min^-1 in nitrogen and air, respectively. The activation energy values of the thermal degradation process in the range 200-340°C of the PVC cable insulation sample were determined from TG results by ASTM method. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electronic-Ionic Processes in Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> with Pyrochlore Structure

Solid solution Bi₂Cu_0.5Mg_0.5Nb₂O_9–δ with the pyrochlore structure is synthesized by three different methods. Its structure and chemical composition are confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electronic-ionic processes are studied by the method of impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 0.3 Hz to 1.0 MHz and the temperature range from 0 to 340°С. The data are processed with the use of ZView program. Electrochemical models of samples are obtained in the form of equivalent circuits. The sign of the main charge carrier is determined by the thermo-emf method. Nonlinear effects are studied based on voltammetric characteristics. It is found that at room temperature, the charge in samples is transferred by electrons and cations (presumably, copper). In the temperature range of 260–300°С, the capacitance of samples and the specific conductivity of their volume demonstrate local minimums. Insofar as at these temperatures the oxygen conduction may occur, it is assumed that associates of anions and cations are formed. The decrease in the concentration of charge carries is confirmed by sample’s equivalent circuit into which the Gerischer impedance is introduced to enhance the accuracy. It is shown that at t = 260°С, the lifetime of charge carriers is the minimum.     

Thermal analysis of diazo pigments

The differential-thermal and thermogravimetric analysis of eight derivatives of 1,4-bis-(8′-hydroxy-3′,6′-disulpho-1′-naphthyl)-benzenediamide showed that these compounds have a marked exothermic effect, with maxima in the temperature range 290–340°C. The 4-nitroaniline derivative was found to undergo a blast-like decomposition in the temperature interval 285–295°C, reflected by large steps in the TG curves. The thermal analysis of diazo pigments permits determination of their applicability at higher temperatures.     

Topological transformation of the phase diagram of the lithium nitrate-water-acetonitrile ternary system within the range of −20 to 50°C

Phase equilibria and critical phenomena in the lithium nitrate-water-acetonitrile ternary system were studied by a visual polythermal method within the range of ?20 to 50°C. In this ternary system, the constituent liquid binary system is characterized by phase separation with an upper critical solution temperature. It was found that the ternary system undergoes phase separation at temperatures below 0.7°C. In the phase diagram within the range of ?1.1 to 0.7°C, a closed phase separation region with two critical points was revealed. The temperature of the formation of the critical tie line of the monotectic state the solid phase of which is the crystalline hydrate LiNO₃ · 3H₂O was determined (?18.7°C). Depending on the concentration, lithium nitrate has both salting-in and salting-out effect on aqueous acetonitrile mixtures. The plotted isothermal sections of the temperature-concentration prism of the system at fifteen temperatures showed the pattern of the topological transformation of its phase diagram with varying temperature.     

Kinetic study of uranium residue dissolution in ammonium carbonate media

The purpose of this study was to determine the kinetics of the dissolution of a uranium residue in ammonium carbonate media. The residue is generated in the production of medical isotopes. The effects of parameters, such as varying peroxide and carbonate concentrations, dissolution time as well as temperature on the extraction rate have been separately studied. Results indicate complete dissolution of the residue at 60 °C, after 30 min, in ammonium carbonate solution enriched with hydrogen peroxide. The yield and rate of uranium extraction were found to increase as a function of both temperature, in the range of 25–60 °C, and hydrogen peroxide concentration. The extraction process was governed by chemical reaction as the activation energy was found to be 45.5 kJ/mol. The order of reaction with respect to uranium concentration was found to be approximately first order.     

Preparation and Some Properties of Lithium Vanadium Bronzes

Lithium vanadium bronzes with composition formula Li_xV₂O₅ (0.04 ≤ × ≤ 0.92) have been prepared by solid‐state reaction at 650 °C in argon atmosphere. The obtained products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The results reveal that four phases are present in the range from x = 0.04 to 0.92, namely α, β, β′, and γ phase. The magnetic susceptibility for the investigated bronzes was measured using the conventional Gouy's method. The values of the effective magnetic moments, as calculated from experimental data, indicate the presence of V⁴⁺ ions in all bronze samples. The electrical conductivity as a function of temperature and lithium content was measured in the temperature range from room temperature to 483 K. The electrical conductivity of the bronzes is found to be affected by lithium content. The values of the electrical conductivity increase with temperature for the prepared samples and both electronic and ionic conduction are discussed.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the initiated oxidation of a number of 1,3-dioxacyclanes

The initiated oxidation of a number of cyclic acetals at 50–95°C was studied by kinetic methods. It was found that the examined 1,3-dioxacyclanes are oxidized via a free-radical mechanism with quadratic termination of the chains in the peroxide radicals. The strengths of the carbon-hydrogen bonds undergoing attack by the peroxide radicals range from 80 to 90 kcal/mole.     

Low temperature nanostructured lithium titanates: controlling the phase composition, crystal structure and surface area

Low temperature lithium titanate compounds (i.e., Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ and Li₂TiO₃) with nanocrystalline and mesoporous structure were prepared by a straightforward aqueous particulate sol–gel route. The effect of Li:Ti molar ratio was studied on crystallisation behaviour of lithium titanates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the powders were crystallised at the low temperature of 500 °C and the short annealing time of 1 h. Moreover, it was found that Li:Ti molar ratio and annealing temperature influence the preferable orientation growth of the lithium titanate compounds. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the average crystallite size of the powders annealed at 400 °C was in the range 2–4 nm and a gradual increase occurred up to 10 nm by heat treatment at 800 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis revealed that the deposited thin films had mesoporous and nanocrystalline structure with the average grain size of 21–28 nm at 600 °C and 49–62 nm at 800 °C depending upon the Li:Ti molar ratio. Moreover, atomic force microscope (AFM) images confirmed that the lithium titanate films had columnar like morphology at 600 °C, whereas they showed hill-valley like morphology at 800 °C. Based on Brunauer–Emmett–Taylor (BET) analysis, the synthesized powders showed mesoporous structure containing pores with needle and plate shapes. The surface area of the powders was enhanced by increasing Li:Ti molar ratio and reached as high as 77 m²/g for the ratio of Li:Ti = 75:25 at 500 °C. This is one of the smallest crystallite size and the highest surface areas reported in the literature, and the materials could be used in many applications such as rechargeable lithium batteries and tritium breeding materials.     

Synthesis and thermal characterization of NZP compounds Na1?xLixZr2(PO4)3 (x?=?0.00–0.75)

Sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) composition Na_1−x Li _x Zr₂(PO₄)₃, x = 0.00–0.75 has been synthesized by method of solid state reaction method from Na₂CO₃·H₂O, Li₂CO₃, ZrO₂, and NH₄H₂PO₄, sintering at 1050–1250 °C for 8 h only in other to determine the effect on thermal properties, such as the phase formation of the compound. The materials have been characterized by TGA and DTA thermal analysis methods from room temperature to 1000 °C. It was observed that the increase in lithium content of the samples increased thermal stability of the samples and the DTA peaks shifted towards higher temperatures with increase in lithium content. The thermal stability regions for all the sample was observed to be from 640 °C. The sample with the highest lithium content, x = 0.75, exhibited the greatest thermal stability over the temperature range.     

Design and performance of an evolved gas analysis ion attachment mass spectrometer

We designed a simple evolved gas analysis (EGA) system to act as a sampler between solid samples at atmospheric pressure and the high vacuum inside a mass spectrometer. The newly designed stainless steel system is simple, small and rugged and fulfills all the basic requirements for EGA. The temperature is programmable with 60°C/min as the maximum heating rate and the temperature range is up to 600°C. With this system coupled with lithium ion attachment mass spectrometry (IAMS), it is possible to study the temperature‐programmed decomposition of a number of solid materials by detecting any chemical species on a real‐time basis. For illustrative purposes, EGA‐IAMS experiments of polyethylene polymers have been conducted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lifetime simulation and thermal characterization of PVC cable insulation materials

Thermal behavior of commercial PVC cable insulation both before and after extraction of plasticizers, fillers and other agents were tested by TG/DTG and DSC during heating in the range 20-800°C in air. The ultrasound enhanced hexane extraction and dissolution in THF with subsequent precipitation of PVC were used to prepare 'extracted' and 'precipitated' samples. The total mass loss measured for the 'non-treated', 'extracted' and 'precipitated' PVC samples was 71.6, 66.6 and 97%, respectively. In the temperature range 200-340°C the release of dioctylphthalate, HCl and CO₂was observed by simultaneous TG/FTIR. From TG results measured at different heating rates (1.5, 5, 10, 15 K min^-1) in the range 200-340°C the non-isothermal kinetics of the PVC samples degradation was determined. Activation energy values of the thermal degradation processes calculated by ASTM E 698 method, for 'non-treated', 'extracted' and 'precipitated' PVC samples were 174.6±17 kJ min^-1, 192.8±19 kJ min^-1, 217.1±20 kJ min^-1, respectively. These kinetic parameters were used for the lifetime simulation of the materials.     

Calculation of the kinetic parameters of dehydration of lithium peroxide monohydrate in nonisothermic regime by derivatographic method

The dehydration of lithium peroxide monohydrate was studied by derivatography under nonisothermic conditions for the calculation of main kinetic parameters in the temperature range 90–146°C. Experimental conditions (sample size and the linear heating rate) caused by thermoconductivity of the object under investigation were determined. It is shown that the process under study proceeds according to the kinetic law close to the first order one (n = 0.85±0.03). Values of the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor [E _a = 86.0±0.8 kJ mol^?1, k ₀ = (2.19±0.16)×10¹¹ min^?1] were obtained. A suggestion was formulated that the dehydration mechanism of lithium peroxide monohydrate was analogous to that of the hydrates of the alkaline earth metal (calcium, barium, and strontium) peroxides.     

Thermal behaviour of lignins extracted from different raw materials

The thermal degradation of lignins extracted from bagasse, rice straw, corn stalk and cotton stalk, have been investigated using the techniques of thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), between room temperature and 600°C. The actual pyrolysis of all samples starts above 200°C and is slow. The results calculated from TG curves indicated that the activation energy, Efor thermal degradation for different lignins lies in the range 7.949–8.087 kJ mol^?1. The DTA of all studied lignins showed an endothermic tendency around 100°C. In the active pyrolysis temperature range, thermal degradation occurred via two exothermic process at about 320 and 480°C, and a large endothermic pyrolysis region between 375 and 450°C. The first exothermic peak represents the main oxidation and decomposition reaction, the endothermic effect represents completion of the decomposition and the final exothermic peak represents charring.     

Higher aliphatic polyaldehydes. IV. Transitions in poly(n-valeraldehyde), poly(n-hexaldehyde), poly(n-heptaldehyde), and poly(n-octaldehyde)

Crystalline polymers of n-valeraldehyde, n-hexaldehyde, n-heptaldehyde, and n-octaldehyde were prepared by anionic polymerization with lithium tertiary butoxide as the initiator at low temperatures. The polymers were end-capped with acetic anhydride, and their thermal stability was studied primarily by DTG. It was found that all polymers degrade rapidly above 150°C. All polymers show a dual melting-point behavior. The first melting region, which is associated with the melting of the side chain, is 80–85°C for poly(n-valeraldehyde); 87–90°C for poly(n-hexaldehyde); 78–101°C for poly(n-heptaldehyde); and 41–69°C for poly(n-octaldehyde). Annealing and quenching of the samples showed that this melting-point region consisted of several endotherm peaks whose intensity changed according to the thermal history of the sample. Although the samples are apparently highly crystalline, the side-chain crystallinity is apparently only in the 20% range.     

Surface Dynamics of A Vanadyl Pyrophosphate Catalyst for n‐Butane Oxidation to Maleic Anhydride: An In Situ Raman and Reactivity Study of the Effect of the P/V Atomic Ratio

This work focused on investigating the effect of the P/V atomic ratio in vanadyl pyrophosphate, catalyst for n‐butane oxidation to maleic anhydride, on the nature of the catalytically active phase. Structural transformations occurring on the catalyst surface were investigated by means of in situ Raman spectroscopy in a non‐reactive atmosphere, as well as by means of steady‐state and non‐steady‐state reactivity tests, in response to changes in the reaction temperature. It was found that the nature of the catalyst surface is affected by the P/V atomic ratio even in the case of small changes in this parameter. With the catalyst having P/V equal to the stoichiometric value, a surface layer made of α_I‐VOPO₄ developed in the temperature interval 340–400 °C in the presence of air; this catalyst gave a very low selectivity to maleic anhydride in the intermediate T range (340–400 °C). However, at 400–440 °C δ‐VOPO₄ overlayers formed; at these conditions, the catalyst was moderately active but selective to maleic anhydride. With the catalyst containing a slight excess of P, the ratio offering the optimal catalytic performance, δ‐VOPO₄ was the prevailing species over the entire temperature range investigated (340–440 °C). Analogies and differences between the two samples were also confirmed by reactivity tests carried out after in situ removal and reintegration of P. These facts explain why the industrial catalyst for n‐butane oxidation holds a slight excess of P; they also explain discrepancies registered in the literature about the nature of the active layer in vanadyl pyrophosphate.     

Tin oxalate as a precursor of tin dioxide and electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Tin(II) oxalate was studied as a novel precursor for active electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The discharge of lithium cells using tin oxalate electrodes takes place by three irreversible steps: tin reduction, forming a lithium oxalate matrix; solvent decomposition to form a passivating layer; and oxalate reduction in a two-electron process. These are followed by reversible alloying of tin with lithium, leading to a maximum discharge of 11 F/mol. Cycling of the cells showed reversible capacities higher than 600 mAh/g during the first five cycles and ca. 200 mAh/g after 50 cycles. Tin oxalate was converted to tin dioxide by thermal decomposition at 450 °C and also by a chemical method by dissolving tin oxalate powder in 33% v/v hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. The ultrafine nature of the tin dioxide powders obtained by this procedure allow their use as electrodes in lithium cells. The best capacity retention during the first five cycles was achieved for a sample heat treated to 250 °C to eliminate surface water. Electronic Publication     

Structure development in multistage stretching of PTFE films

The structure of expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) films that were produced by uniaxial or biaxial stretching of a calendared sheet were studied by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small angle X‐ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy. The molecular orientation of the stretched films was analyzed by WAXD flat films and pole figures. Biaxial orientation factors were computed to interpret the level of orientation quantitatively. DSC scans showed that oriented samples exhibited two melting peaks, one at the commonly observed temperature in the range 340–345 °C and one around 380 °C. The possible causes of this high‐temperature melting peak and its relation to previously described processes is discussed. The microporous nature of the ePTFE films is also briefly discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010     

Influence of Lithium on the Structure and Phase Composition Formation in the Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite

The influence of lithium substitution for calcium over a broad concentration range (0–20 mol %) on the crystal lattice parameters, coherent scattering regions, and phase composition was studied for hydroxyapatite synthesized by precipitation from solutions and heat treatment at 900, 1200, and 1400°C. The lithium substitution in a more than 10 mol % concentration and increase in the heat treatment temperature to 1400°C give rise to a complex phase composition, which includes not only the apatite phase, but also two tricalcium phosphate phases and calcium pyrophosphate. The results are useful for the development of hydroxyapatite-based materials for bone surgery.     

NEW MATERIALS DERIVED FROM POLY(4-HYDROXYSTYRENE) AS LITHIUM BATTERY CELL COMPONENTS

A new class of polyethers has been prepared by the Mitsunobu coupling of poly(4-vinyl phenol), P4VP, with low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether. These comb-like polymers, having ca. 20–30% residual phenols, were characterized by IR, DSC, and TGA. Results of thermal analysis on the polymers suggest thermal stability to at least 300°C and a glass transition temperature in the range ?30 to ?40°C. Complexes with LiPF₆ gave conductivities of ca. 1 × 10^?5 S/cm at room temperature. The polymers were blended with plasticized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to prepare porous films and subsequently infiltrated with lithium salts and ethylene and ethyl methyl carbonate. Ionic conductivities of these hybrid films were measured from ?20°C to 40°C. Conductivities as high as 2.4 × 10^?3 S/cm are observed at room temperature. The electrochemical stability of hybrid materials was studied by cyclic voltammetry.     

Direct and automatic capillary GC analysis for molecular weight determination and distribution in crude oils and condensates up to C20

A direct and automatic method has been developed for molecular weight (MW) determination and distribution in crude oils and condensates up to C₂₀ (340°C) by gas chromatography. Chromatographic separation has been achieved with a 50 m OV-1 fused silica capillary column, fitted with a pre-column to eliminate the fraction boiling above 340°C. The internal standard is added for quantification. Approximately 550 peaks have been identified by the use of GC/MS on different paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic crude oils or condensate samples. From identification and by correlation with MS group-type analysis, a carbon number and a hydrocarbon group are attributed to each peak or group of peaks. Further molecular weights have been calculated from these groups. A comparison between results from this GC method and cryometry of narrow and wide fractions shows good agreement, within the precision of cryometry. An automatic identification by computer using programmed temperature indices was used for the direct determination of molecular weight. The final report gives weight percentage, molar percentage, and molecular weight for every boiling range group and hydrocarbon group.