TG-DTA/FT-IR method for analyzing thermal decomposition mechanism of polyesters

An attempt to estimate the thermal decomposition mechanism of polymers using the simultaneous TG-DTA/FT-IR system was summarized. The library search of FT-IR spectra at various temperatures and of the subtraction spectrum obtained by subtracting the spectra at different temperatures were used to determine the types of evolved gases from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(butylene terephthalate) at given stages of decomposition. The quantitative analysis of evolved gases was carried out using the specific gas profiles at the specific absorption band. The kinetic parameters were estimated from both TG and spectroscopic curves measured at various heating rates.     

Thermogravimetric Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Hydrocarbon Fuel Residues

Although thermogravimetric analysis (TG) has become an indispensable tool for the analysis and characterization of materials, its scope is limited as no information is obtained about the qualitative aspects of the evolved gases during the thermal decomposition. For processes involving mass loss, a powerful technique to provide this missing information is Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) in combination with TG. It supplies a comprehensive understanding of thermal events in a reliable and meaningful way as data are obtained from a single sample under the same conditions. The coupling TG/FT-IR is used in fuel analysis for the identification of residual volatiles, to determine their sequence of release and to resolve thermogravimetric curves. In this work, the usefulness of TG/FT-IR for characterizing middle distillate fuel residues is illustrated with some typical examples of recent application. A Bio-Rad FTS 25 FT-IR spectrometer coupled with a TA Instruments TGA 2950 thermogravimetric analyzer was used for data aquisition. The results obtained demonstrate the utility of this combined technique in determining the decomposition pathway of tarry materials at various stages of pyrolysis, thereby allowing new insights into the complex thermal behaviour of hydrocarbon residual systems. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal decomposition kinetics of palladium(II) 1‐allylimidazole complexes

Thermal dehydration and decomposition processes of a Pd(II) coordination compound, [PdL₄]Cl₂·3H₂O ( 1 ), (where L is 1‐allylimidazole) were studied by simultaneous TG/DSC techniques under constant heating rates condition. The released gas products were analyzed by online coupling a FTIR spectrometer to the TG equipment. The so obtained evolved gas analysis confirmed that only two ligand molecules were released and that a new 1‐allylimidazole Pd(II) complex, trans‐[PdL₂Cl₂] ( 2a ), was obtained. The same coordination compound was also prepared by heating 1 at 413.15 K in air atmosphere until a constant weight was reached 2b . Thermal decomposition mechanisms for the 2a and 2b complexes examined were proposed according to the three mass loss steps derived by TG data. Based on the model‐free isoconversional method described by Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), the dependencies of activation energy on the degree of conversion were determined. A model‐free “single point” method was also applied using the Kissinger equation, and derived results were compared to those of the former method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 667–674, 2005     

Thermal characterization of ammonium alum

Thermal decomposition of ammonium alum was studied by simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG)-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) attached to a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, so that each mass loss was related with the simultaneous endo- or exothermal behavior and to the FTIR absorption produced by the evolved gases. Apart from some clear dehydration and desulfation processes, other overlapping peaks were observed by DSC, TG, and FTIR. Optimal fitting to logistic mixture models was performed to separate the overlapping processes. Deconvolution of overlapping DTG peaks resulted in single constituent peaks, which were related to plots of some specific FTIR bands along time. Thus, a more accurate insight of the chemical processes taking place was obtained.     

Thermal analysis/evolved gas analysis using single photon ionization

A simultaneous thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry device (STA) was coupled to single photon ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SPI-TOFMS) for evolved gas analysis (EGA). Thermal resolution with thermogravimetric signals (TG/DTG) is delivered by STA. On-line coupled EGA with SPI-TOFMS retains the thermal information from the STA and substantiates these with correlating mass spectra. The application of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-photons (8–12 eV) for soft ionization, allows almost fragment-free ionization. Thus, it becomes possible to interpret mass spectra of complex matrices, like natural products evolving simultaneously several molecules, without an additional separation step. The STA–SPI-TOFMS on-line coupling offers the possibility to track subset mass traces during one STA run. Focusing on material-depended mass traces, differentiation of organic matrices is obvious. In this work two types of research cigarettes, 3R4F and CM6 were used. While the 3R4F cigarette is composed of a blend of different tobacco sorts and different curing methods, the CM6 research cigarette consists of pure flue cured tobacco. The advantages of coupling on-line chemical analysis methods to thermal analysis (TA) are in the context of the achieved thermo-molecular signatures.     

Selected thermoanalytical methods and their applications from medicine to construction

There are many thermoanalytical techniques but only several of them such as thermogravimetric analysis (TG), high resolution thermogravimetric analysis (Hi-Res™ TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), evolved gas analysis (EGA), transient thermal analysis (TTA) and thermal conductivity (k) have selected to be discussed in this paper. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) is ideal for investigating issues such as the glass transition of modified glasses, binder burnout, dehydration of ceramic materials or decomposition behaviour of inorganic building materials, also with gas analysis. Selected applications of various thermoanalytical techniques from medicine to construction have also been discussed in this paper.     

Evolved gas analysis of coal-derived pyrite/marcasite

The products evolved during the thermal decomposition of the coal-derived pyrite/marcasite were studied using simultaneous thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (TG-FTIR–MS) technique. The main gases and volatile products released during the thermal decomposition of the coal-derived pyrite/marcasite are water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The results showed that the evolved products obtained were mainly divided into two processes: (1) the main evolved product H₂O is mainly released at below 300 °C; (2) under the temperature of 450–650 °C, the main evolved products are SO₂ and small amount of CO₂. It is worth mentioning that SO₃ was not observed as a product as no peak was observed in the m/z = 80 curve. The chemical substance SO₂ is present as the main gaseous product in the thermal decomposition for the sample. The coal-derived pyrite/marcasite is different from mineral pyrite in thermal decomposition temperature. The mass spectrometric analysis results are in good agreement with the infrared spectroscopic analysis of the evolved gases. These results give the evidence on the thermal decomposition products and make all explanations have the sufficient evidence. Therefore, TG–MS–IR is a powerful tool for the investigation of gas evolution from the thermal decomposition of materials.     

Kinetic and thermodynamic study of the Na4(UO2)2(OH)4(C2O4)2 complex

The synthesis, the characterization, and the thermal decomposition of the dioxouranium(VI) ternary complex of formula Na₄(UO₂)₂(OH)₄(C₂O₄)₂, has been studied. The identification of the compound was performed by chemical analysis and by infrared spectrometry. Thermal decomposition of the compound occurs in several steps due to the decomposition of the salt to Na₂O and UO₃ oxides. The stoichiometry of the steps, hypothesized by means of the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, is confirmed by the evolved gas analysis studied by FTIR spectrometer coupled to TG/DSC apparatus. Model‐fitting and model‐free kinetic methods have been used in kinetic analysis. The latter allows determining kinetic scheme. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 661–669, 2003     

Thermal decomposition of tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate

Thermal decomposition of tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate has been studied employing simultaneous techniques of TG–DTG–DSC—quadrupole mass spectrometric techniques in an inert atmosphere of pure Helium gas at a sample heating rate of 5 K min^?1 employing a platinum crucible. The observed decomposition paths are the most commonly expected Hofmann elimination and substitution reactions paths.     

Evolved Gas Analysis of Some Solid Fuels by TG-FTIR

FTIR spectrometry combined with TG provides information regarding mass changes in a sample and permits qualitative identification of the gases evolved during thermal degradation. Various fuels were studied: coal, peat, wood chips, bark, reed canary grass and municipal solid waste. The gases evolved in a TG analyser were transferred to the FTIR via a heated teflon line. The spectra and thermoanalytical curves indicated that the major gases evolved were carbon dioxide and water, while there were many minor gases, e.g. carbon monoxide, methane, ethane, methanol, ethanol, formic acid, acetic acid and formaldehyde. Separate evolved gas spectra also revealed the release of ammonia from biomasses and peat. Sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide were found in some cases. The evolution of the minor gases and water parallelled the first step in the TG curve. Solid fuels dried at 100°C mainly lost water and a little ammonia. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal and electrical behavior of hybrid thermosets based on epoxy and maleimide resins cured with p-aminobenzoic acid

Two thermoset systems based on maleimides and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with p-aminobenzoic acid were characterized in terms of thermal and electrical behavior. Thermal characterization has been undertaken by means of thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere up to 600°C using simultaneous thermogravimetric/Fourier transform infrared/mass spectrometry (TG/FT-IR/MS) analysis. In the first stage of thermal degradation, the global kinetic parameters [activation energy (E_a) and preexponential factor (log A₁ (s⁻¹))] were calculated using the isoconversional method of Friedman. The energies variation as well as the shape of the differential thermal analysis curves suggests that the thermal decomposition process occurred in multiple stages. The evolved gases analysis was conducted by simultaneous TG/FT-IR/MS coupled techniques. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy characterization was also made.     

Thermal behavior of tetradentate Schiff base chromium(III) complexes

Thermal analytical behavior of eight chromium(III) complexes with N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (salen) Schiff bases, Cr(salen), has been investigated regarding their thermal stability and thermal decomposition pathways. Thus, the ligands and the respective chromium(III) complexes of salen-type Schiff bases derived from salicylaldehyde and its 5-chloro, 5-bromo, 5-methoxy, 5-nitro, 3,5-dicloro, 3,5-dibromo, and 3,5-diiodosalicylaldehyde were synthesized, characterized, and submitted to TG/DTG, DTA, and TG–FTIR evolved gas analysis. The number of steps and, in particular, the starting temperature of decomposition of these complexes was dependent of the ligand nature. The gaseous products evolved during the thermal decomposition of these compounds were identified by TG–FTIR.     

Thermal decomposition mechanisms common to polyurethane,epoxy, poly(diallyl phthalate), polycarbonate and poly(phenylene sulfide)

Thermal decomposition of polyurethane, epoxy, poly(diallyl phthalate), polycarbonate, and poly(phenylene sulfide) was examined using a combination of thermal and chemical analysis techniques. Thermal gravimetric analysis with simultaneous analysis of evolved gases by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gas chromatography coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to obtain rate data, determine enthalpy changes, and identify decomposition products. Examination of the evolved decomposition products indicated a common set of chain scission mechanisms involving the aromatic moieties in each of the polymer materials studied.     

Influences of aging on thermal decomposition mechanism of high performance oxidizer ammonium dinitramide

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is one of the several promising new solid propellant oxidizers. ADN is of interest because its oxygen balance and energy content are high, and it also halogen-free. One of the most important characteristics of a propellant oxidizer, however, is stability and ADN is known to degrade to ammonium nitrate (AN) during storage, which will affect its performance. This study focused on the effects of aging on the thermal decomposition mechanism of ADN. The thermal behaviors of ADN and ADN/AN mixtures were studied, as were the gases evolved during their decomposition, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis-infrared spectrometry (TG–DTA-IR), and thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis-mass spectrometry (TG–DTA-MS). The results of these analyses demonstrated that the decomposition of ADN occurs via a series of distinct stages in the condensed phase. The gases evolved from ADN decomposition were N₂O, NO₂, N₂, and H₂O. In contrast, ADN mixed with AN (to simulate aging) did not exhibit the same initial reaction. We conclude that aging inhibits early stage, low temperature decomposition reactions of ADN. Two possible reasons were proposed, these being either a decrease in the acidity of the material due to the presence of AN, or inhibition of the acidic dissociation of dinitramic acid by NO ₃ ^? .     

Synthesis,characterization, and thermal study of solid-state alkaline earth metal mandelates,except beryllium and radium

Characterization, thermal stability, and thermal decomposition of alkaline earth metal mandelates, M(C₆H₅CH(OH)CO₂)₂, (M = Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), and Ba(II)), were investigated employing simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis or differential scanning calorimetry, (TG–DTA or TG–DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), complexometry, and TG–DSC coupled to FTIR. All the compounds were obtained in the anhydrous state and the thermal decomposition occurs in three steps. The final residue up to 585 °C (Mg), 720 °C (Ca), and 945 °C (Sr) is the respective oxide MgO, CaO, and SrO. For the barium compound the final residue up to 580 °C is BaCO₃, which is stable until 950 °C and above this temperature the TG curve shows the beginning of the thermal decomposition of the barium carbonate. The results also provide information concerning the thermal behavior and identification of gaseous products evolved during the thermal decomposition of these compounds.     

TG–MS–FTIR (evolved gas analysis) of kaolinite–urea intercalation complex

The products evolved during the thermal decomposition of kaolinite–urea intercalation complex were studied by using TG–FTIR–MS technique. The main gases and volatile products released during the thermal decomposition of kaolinite–urea intercalation complex are ammonia (NH₃), water (H₂O), cyanic acid (HNCO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitric acid (HNO₃), and biuret ((H₂NCO)₂NH). The results showed that the evolved products obtained were mainly divided into two processes: (1) the main evolved products CO₂, H₂O, NH₃, HNCO are mainly released at the temperature between 200 and 450 °C with a maximum at 355 °C; (2) up to 600 °C, the main evolved products are H₂O and CO₂ with a maximum at 575 °C. It is concluded that the thermal decomposition of the kaolinite–urea intercalation complex includes two stages: (a) thermal decomposition of urea in the intercalation complex takes place in four steps up to 450 °C; (b) the dehydroxylation of kaolinite and thermal decomposition of residual urea occurs between 500 and 600 °C with a maximum at 575 °C. The mass spectrometric analysis results are in good agreement with the infrared spectroscopic analysis of the evolved gases. These results give the evidence on the thermal decomposition products and make all explanation have the sufficient evidence. Therefore, TG–MS–IR is a powerful tool for the investigation of gas evolution from the thermal decomposition of materials and its intercalation complexes.     

Thermal and kinetic study of dehydration and decomposition processes for copper intercalated γ-zirconium and γ-titanium phosphates

Thermal dehydration and decomposition processes of some intercalation compounds were studied by simultaneous TG/DSC and evolved gas analysis (EGA). γ-Zirconium and γ-titanium phosphates were intercalated with 1,10-phenanthroline and subsequently reacted with copper ions to form the complex in situ. Reaction mechanisms for thermal decomposition of all the materials were investigated and proposed according to the mass losses recorded by TG and confirmed by EGA (TG-FTIR). The Ozawa-Flynn-Wall isoconversional method provided dependencies of activation energy on the degree of conversion. A “single point” model-free method was also applied using Kissinger equation and the derived results were compared to those of the former method.     

Thermal decomposition of poly(sec-amyl methacrylate)

The thermal decomposition of poly(sec-amyl methacrylate) is studied by simultaneous thermogravimetry–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and by pyrolysis–gas chromatography. The TG curve has four distinct breaks and a plateau. Results of the identification of the evolved gas at the individual breaks by GC–MS techniques lead to the conclusion that these breaks correspond to the individual processes in the decomposition mechanism like that of poly(tert-butyl methacrylate): the first break, the depolymerization initiated at the unsaturated chain ends; the second break, the depolymerization initiated at the saturated chain ends; the third break, the ester decomposition; the plateau, the inhibition of decomposition by the formation of poly(methacrylic anhydride); the fourth break, the decomposition of poly(methacrylic anhydride). The extent of ester decomposition is related to the substituent constants based on Hammett equation. The ester decomposition product is separated into three pentene isomers by pyrolysis–gas chromatography: trans-2-pentene, cis-2-pentene, and 1-pentene. As raising decomposition temperature, the composition ratio of trans-2-pentene decreases and becomes constant above 620 K, and the composition ratios of cis-2-pentene and 1-pentene increase and also become constant above 620 K. These results are accounted for by mobility of atoms included in the substituent at forming a ring transition state.     

Kinetic analysis of complex decomposition reactions using evolved gas analysis

For complex decomposition reactions, traditional methods, such as TG and DSC cannot fully resolve all of the steps in the reaction. Evolved gas analysis (EGA) offers another tool to provide more information about the decomposition mechanism. The decomposition of sodium bicarbonate was studied by TG, DSC and EGA using a simultaneous thermal analysis unit coupled to a FTIR. The decomposition of sodium bicarbonate involves two reaction products H₂O and CO₂, which are not evident from either TG or DSC measurements alone. A comparison of the reaction kinetics from TG, DTG and EGA data were compared.     

The thermal properties of inorganic compounds: II. Evolved gas studies of some mercury(I) and (II) compounds

The combined thermal analysis techniques of thermogravimetry, evolved gas analysis and mass spectrometry were used to investigate the thermal decomposition of several selected mercury(I), (II) compounds. Although TG curves are presented, the analysis of the evolved gases formed during the thermal decomposition processes was of greater interest. Gaseous products detected included: HgSO₄SO, SO₂ and O₂; Hg(SCN)₂CS₂, (CN)₂ and N₂; Hg(NO₃)₂NO, N₂O, NO₂ and O₂; HgNO₃ H₂ONO, NO₂ and N₂O; and Hg(C₂H₃O₂)₂—organic fragments. The evolved gas analysis was complicated by sublimation of the compounds at low pressures.