The catalytic effect of NiO on thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose

The catalytic effect of NiO on thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose (NC) has been investigated via thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–MS) coupling technique, and the residue of NC with 20% NiO reacted in tubular furnace was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). TG–MS analysis showed that adding 2% NiO to NC accelerated the thermal decomposition process and promoted the generation of gaseous products. The catalytic mechanism was based on the accelerated generation of NO₂, which further reacted with the radical to produce other gaseous products. XRD analysis of catalyst residue showed that Ni was formed during the catalytic reaction.     

Pyrolysis mechanism of urazole by evolved gas analysis

In order to obtain a better understanding of thermal substituent effects in 1,2,4-triazole-3-one (TO), the thermal behavior of 1,2,4-triazole, TO, as well as urazole and the decomposition mechanism of TO were investigated. Thermal substituent effects were considered using thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular orbital calculations. The onset temperature of 1,2,4-triazole was higher than that of TO and urazole. Analyses of evolved decomposition gases were carried out using thermogravimetry–infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry. The gases evolved from TO were determined as HNCO, HCN, N₂, NH₃, CO₂, and N₂O.     

Thermal studies of cobalt,iron and tin metalloporphyrins

A free-base tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP) and its corresponding metalloporphyrins (MTPP) where M = Co, Fe and Sn were synthesized and characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR and ¹Hnmr spectroscopy. Thermal studies of these porphyrins were carried out in synthetic air from room temperature to 800 °C using thermal analyser. The residues of MTPP after thermal treatment were qualitatively analysed, which showed the presence of corresponding metal oxides. Further, the above MTPP were subjected to thermogravimetry–evolved gas and mass spectrometry (TG–EGA–MS) analysis for the detailed information about evolved gases at their corresponding decomposition temperatures. This information may be used to predict the probable mechanism for ring opening of the macromolecular porphyrins.     

Thermal and FTIR spectral studies in various proportions of urea thiourea mixed crystal

Mixed crystals of various proportions of urea thiourea were grown by slow evaporation of aqueous solution at room temperature. The bright and transparent crystals obtained were characterized using thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) and FTIR spectroscopic analyses. A fitting decomposition pattern for the title compound was formulated on the TG curve which shows a two-stage mass loss between 175 and 750 °C. In this temperature range, DTA curves show exothermic peaks supporting the formulated decomposition pattern. The FTIR spectra show the characteristic absorption, vibration frequencies due to urea thiourea. Detailed structural analysis of the compound is under progress.     

Application of TA–MS combined with PulseTA for characterization of materials

The thermal behavior of the anticancer drug-irinotecan was measured by Thermogravimetry–Differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) to explore the application of TG–DTA in nanomedicine firstly. The TG–DTA result showed that the irinotecan was oxidized completely before 700 °C. When irinotecan was loaded onto nanosized mesoporous silica spheres, the loading capacity for irinotecan measured by TG–DTA was about 9.11% in the irinotecan/mesoporous SiO₂ composite, similar to the typical UV–Vis spectra results (10.5%), which showed that TG–DTA characterization provided an alternative method to determine the drug loading amount on inorganic carriers. Secondly, Thermogravimetry–Differential scanning calorimetry–Mass Spectrometry coupling techniques (TG–DSC–MS) were used to characterize the hydrogen adsorption temperature and capacity of TiCr_1.2 (V-Fe)_0.6 alloy. The MS result showed that the released region of hydrogen was 250–500 °C, which was consistent with the TG–DSC results. Lastly, TA–MS combined with pulse thermal analysis (PulseTA) were used for a simultaneous characterizing study in the changes of mass, determination and quantitative calibration of the evolved nitrogen formed during the thermal decomposition of the InN powder. The results showed that relative error of this method between measured value and theoretical value was 2.67% for the quantitative calibration of evolved N₂. It shows that TA–MS combined with PulseTA techniques offer a good tool for the quantification of the evolved nitrogen in the InN powder.     

Investigation on the thermal decomposition and flame retardancy of wood treated with a series of molybdates by TG–MS

A flame-retardant wood was prepared using a series of insoluble molybdates through the double bath technique. The flame retardancy of the wood samples was studied with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) method. The relationships between the flame-retardant performance and the thermal property of wood were studied by the thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–MS) analysis methods. The results showed that the insoluble molybdates, which were precipitated into the wood by the double bath technique, can obviously improve the flame retardancy of wood. Similarly, the transition metal molybdates showed higher flame-retardant efficiency than the main group metal molybdates do, which probably due to the thermal barrier effect that Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ acts during the combustion of the samples. At the same time, Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ catalyzed the dehydration and carbonization reactions of wood, and caused an increase in the amount of char produced, and an improvement of the stability of the char residue. Moreover, the mass spectrometry results indicated that the excess transition metal ions speed up the deep decomposition of the char residue, and resulting in the smoldering of wood.     

Exceptional thermal stability and thermodynamic properties of lithium based metal–organic framework

A three-dimensional lithium-based metal–organic framework Li₂(2,6-NDC) (2,6-NDC = 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) has been synthesized solvothermally and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and mass spectrometer analysis (TG–MS). The framework has exceptional stability and is stable to 863 K. The thermal decomposition characteristic of this compound was investigated through the TG–MS from 293 to 1250 K. The molar heat capacity of the compound was measured by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) over the temperature range from 195 to 670 K for the first time. The thermodynamic parameters such as entropy and enthalpy versus 298.15 K based on the above molar heat capacity were calculated.     

Spectroscopic and structural study of the ambazone hydrochloride

Ambazone, a well-known antimicrobial compound, presents also oncostatic properties. The solid form, obtained by using solvent-drop grinding procedure, was characterized by using several physical techniques such as FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ¹³C NMR and ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopies, thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and mass spectrometry. Based on these data, it was demonstrated that an ambazone–hydrochloride was obtained: new vibrations corresponding to NH₂ ⁺ were identified. DTA–TG–DSC and MS data revealed that a new crystal type has been obtained. X-ray diffraction data allowed the determination of the lattice parameters and the most probable space group P _21/c was established also with only one molecule per asymmetric unit.     

Thermal decomposition properties of guanidine nitrate and basic cupric nitrate

Characterized with a large gas production and low combustion temperature, the guanidine nitrate (GN) gas-generating agents are studied and applied widely. The determination factors of thermal decomposition properties of guanidine nitrate and basic cupric nitrate (GN/BCN) gas-generating agents for airbag application was investigated by the thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry–mass spectrmetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-DSC-MS-FTIR) and automatic calorimeter. Five different mass ratios were concerned. Our study showed that the onset reaction temperatures of GN/BCN mixtures were lower than that of individual GN and BCN. The thermal decomposition of GN/BCN mixtures could be divided into three stages, including the dissociation and escape of crystal water, solid (GN)-solid (BCN) phase reaction, and liquid (GN)-solid (BCN) phase reaction. When mass ratio of GN/BCN was 62.24/37.73, the largest value of the reaction heat was measured to 3152.7 J g^?1, with N₂ and H₂O as the major gases during thermal decomposition.     

Thermal characteristics of bitumen pyrolysis

The pyrolysis behavior of bitumen was investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer–mass spectrometer system (TG–MS) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) as well as a pyrolysis-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system (Py-GC/MS). TG results showed that there were three stages of weight loss during pyrolysis—less than 110, 110–380, and 380–600 °C. Using distributed activation energy model, the average activation energy of the thermal decomposition of bitumen was calculated at 79 kJ mol⁻¹. The evolved gas from the pyrolysis showed that organic species, such as alkane and alkene fragments had a peak maximum temperature of 130 and 480 °C, respectively. Benzene, toluene, and styrene released at 100 and 420 °C. Most of the inorganic compounds, such as H₂, H₂S, COS, and SO₂, released at about 380 °C while the CO₂ had the maximum temperature peaks at 400 and 540 °C, respectively. FTIR spectra were taken of the residues of the different stages, and the results showed that the C–H bond intensity decreased dramatically at 380 °C. Py-GC/MS confirmed the composition of the evolved gas. The DSC revealed the endothermic nature of the bitumen pyrolysis.     

Thermal decomposition kinetics of potassium iodate

The thermal decomposition of potassium iodate (KIO₃) has been studied by both non-isothermal and isothermal thermogravimetry (TG). The non-isothermal simultaneous TG–differential thermal analysis (DTA) of the thermal decomposition of KIO₃ was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates. The isothermal decomposition of KIO₃ was studied using TG at different temperatures in the range 790–805 K in nitrogen atmosphere. The theoretical and experimental mass loss data are in good agreement for the thermal decomposition of KIO₃. The non-isothermal decomposition of KIO₃ was subjected to kinetic analyses by model-free approach, which is based on the isoconversional principle. The isothermal decomposition of KIO₃ was subjected to both conventional (model fitting) and model-free (isoconversional) methods. It has been observed that the activation energy values obtained from all these methods agree well. Isothermal model fitting analysis shows that the thermal decomposition kinetics of KIO₃ can be best described by the contracting cube equation.     

TG and DTA Evaluation of Cobalt Salts and Complexes Mixed with Activated Carbon

The thermal decomposition process of mixtures of CoC₂O₄⋅2H₂O (COD) or Co(HCOO)₂⋅2H₂O (CFD) or [Co(NH₃)₆]₂(C₂O₄)₃⋅4H₂O (HACOT) with activated carbon was studied with simultaneous TG–DTG–DTA measurements under non-isothermal conditions in argon and argon/oxygen admixtures. The results show that the thermal decomposition of the studied mixtures in Ar proceeds in the same manner. It begins with the salt decomposition to Co_met+CoO mixture followed by (T>680 K) the simultaneous reduction of CoO to Co_metand carbon degasification. The final product of the thermal decomposition of COD-C and CFD-C mixtures, identified by XRD, is β-Co. Cobalt contents determined in the final products fall in the range 71–78 mass%. The rest is amorphous residual carbon. In Ar/O₂ admixtures the end product is Co₃O₄ with ash admixture. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Study on the effects of flame retardants on the thermal decomposition of wood by TG–MS

The effect of three flame retardants, K₂CO₃, Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O, and Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O on the process and composition of volatile products of the thermal degradation of wood has been investigated by the thermogravimetric (TG), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and the synchronous thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–MS) analysis methods. The results showed that the ion current intensity and ion peak area of m/z = 18 and 44 MS signals were increased by the flame retardants but the ion peak area of m/z = 28 MS signal was decreased (except K₂CO₃) at the meantime. What’s more, the ion current intensity and ion peak area of m/z = 60 and 68 MS signals were also decreased (except K₂CO₃), which mean that Na₂B₄O₇ can significantly enhances the dehydration and inhibits the depolymerization of wood. Although K₂CO₃ accelerates the dehydration reaction, it cannot inhibit the depolymerization reaction effectively, so the flame retardant efficiency of K₂CO₃ is decreased with the higher concentration. The catalysis of dehydration reaction of Na₂SiO₃ is the worst one.     

Investigation of polymers by a novel analytical approach for evolved gas analysis in thermogravimetry

A newly developed measurement technique for evolved gas analysis in thermogravimetry, viz. a thermo balance coupled to comprehensive gas chromatography/single photon ionization mass spectrometry (TG–GC × SPIMS), has been applied to investigate the thermal degradation of two polymers (polycarbonate (PC) blended with ABS and PVC). This detection method provides a two-dimensional analysis of the evolved gaseous products. TG relevant data is obtained as well as an improved resolution power to separate isobaric molecular structures without losing any fraction of the samples. In addition, this solution is not associated with any extension of the measurement time. The assignment of the substance pattern to distinct species is improved compared to solely using MS without a preceding separation step. Furthermore, hitherto undetected compounds when compared to applying TG–SPIMS without GC such as benzonitrile and its methylated derivatives have been found in the evolved gases from the thermal degradation of PC/ABS blend. Finally, a first estimation of the limit of detection has been carried out, yielding 400 ppt for styrene and 500 ppt for toluene from the thermal decomposition of PC/ABS blend.     

Determination of activation effect of Ca(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> upon the hydration of BFS and related heat by isothermal calorimeter

Isothermal conduction calorimetry, differential thermal analysis (DTA)–thermogravimetric analysis (TG) analysis, and SEM observations have proved the activation effect of Ca(OH)₂ released from the C₃S hydration upon blast furnace slag (BFS). Five sample mixtures of BFS and C₃S and two samples of pure BFS and C₃S were submitted to reaction with water inside the calorimeter at room temperature. The values of hydration heat were recorded up to 7 days. Samples were stored in humidity during 28 days and then were submitted to DTA–TG and SEM analysis. The effect of Ca(OH)₂ upon heat evolution of sample mixtures has been quantified and its influence upon the formation of new hydrates and microstructure of pastes was evidenced.     

Thermooxidative decomposition of oil shales

The thermooxidative decomposition of four oil shale samples from Estonia, Jordan, Israel and Morocco and one sample of Estonian oil shale derivative, semicoke, was studied with the aim to determine the characteristics of the process and the differences of it related to the origin of oil shale. The experiments with a Setaram Setsys 1750 thermoanalyzer coupled to a Nicolet 380 FTIR Spectrometer were carried out under non-isothermal conditions up to 1000 °C at the heating rates of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 °C min⁻¹ in an oxidizing atmosphere. A model-free kinetic analysis approach based on the differential isoconversional method of Friedman was used to calculate the kinetic parameters. The results of TG–DTA–FTIR analyses and the variation of activation energy E along the reaction progress α indicated the complex character of thermooxidative decomposition of oil shale and semicoke, being at that the most complicated for Estonian and Jordanian oil shale characterized by higher content of organic matter as compared to the other samples studied.     

Thermal degradation studies on PMMA–HET acid based oligoesters blends

Imparting thermal stability to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) without affecting its optical clarity is attempted by incorporating HET acid based oligoesters. Pure PMMA and PMMA containing five and 20 wt% of four different oligoesters are separately prepared using bulk polymerization. The thermal properties of the materials studied using DSC, TG, TG–FTIR and Pyr–GC–MS are presented. The main volatile degradation products identified are CO, HCl, CO₂, H₂O, hexachlorocyclopentadiene, hexachloroendomethylene tetrahydrophthalic acid/anhydride and methyl methacrylate. A detailed mechanism for the influence of the degradation products of HET acid based oligoesters on the thermal degradation of PMMA is also presented.     

Thermal and Spectroscopic Studies on the Decomposition of Some Aminoguanidine Nitrates

Diaminoguanidine nitrate (DAGN) and triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN),potential energetic materials in emerging propulsion technology with high mass impetus at low isochoric flame temperature have been studied as regards kinetics and mechanism of thermal decomposition using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA),infrared spectroscopy (IR) and hot stage microscopy. Kinetics of thermolysis has been followed by isothermal TG and IR. For the initial stage of thermolysis of DAGN the best linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.9976 was obtained for the Avrami-Erofe'evequation, n=2, by isothermal TG. The activation energy was found to be 130 kJ mol^–1 and logA=11.4. The initial stage of thermolysis of TAGN also obeyed the Avrami-Erofe'ev equation, n=2, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9975by isothermal TG and the kinetic parameters are E=160.0 kJ mol^–1 and logA=16.0. High temperature IR spectra showed exquisite preferential loss in intensity of the NH₂, NH, N–N stretching and CNN bending. Spectroscopic and other results favour deamination reaction involving the rupture of the N–N bond as the primary step in the thermal decomposition. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mass Spectrometry Characterization of the Thermal Decomposition/Digestion (TDD) at Cysteine in Peptides and Proteins in the Condensed Phase

We report on the characterization by mass spectrometry (MS) of a rapid, reagentless and site-specific cleavage at the N-terminus of the amino acid cysteine (C) in peptides and proteins induced by the thermal decomposition at 220–250 °C for 10 s in solid samples. This thermally induced cleavage at C occurs under the same conditions and simultaneously to our previously reported thermally induced site-specific cleavage at the C-terminus of aspartic acid (D) (Zhang, S.; Basile, F. J. Proteome Res. 2007, 6, (5), 1700–1704). The C cleavage proceeds through cleavage of the nitrogen and α–carbon bond (N-terminus) of cysteine and produces modifications at the cleavage site with an amidation (−1 Da) of the N-terminal thermal decomposition product and a −32 Da mass change of the C-terminal thermal decomposition product, the latter yielding either an alanine or β-alanine residue at the N-terminus site. These modifications were confirmed by off-line thermal decomposition electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS, tandem MS (MS/MS) analyses and accurate mass measurements of standard peptides. Molecular oxygen was found to be required for the thermal decomposition and cleavage at C as it induced an initial cysteine thiol side chain oxidation to sulfinic acid. Similar to the thermally induced D cleavage, missed cleavages at C were also observed. The combined thermally induced digestion process at D and C, termed thermal decomposition/digestion (TDD), was observed on several model proteins tested under ambient conditions and the site-specificity of the method confirmed by MS/MS.     

Thermal characterization of starch-based polymers produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiostoma</Emphasis> spp

The thermal behavior of modified starches (MS) produced by biosynthetic pathway is described based on a comparative analysis with native starches (NS). MS were produced by fermentation in presence of Ophiostoma spp. cultures. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) with successive derivatives (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used for this study. NS results showed a single peak dominating both the TG (DTG) and DSC plots. A double thermal transition event was detected in samples of MS. The procedural decomposition temperature (T _i–T _f; lowest onset temperature of initial and final mass change) was carried out within a narrow interval of temperatures for NS (610–640 °C). This interval could not be reached within the 1,000 °C range in MS. Residues higher than 10% were recorded for MS at this temperature. The presence of the double thermal transition in MS is discussed.