The identification of blowing agents in cellular PVC compounds by DSC Part 1. The detection and identification of sodium bicarbonate

The determination of sodium bicarbonate concentrations in PVC cellular compounds by DSC has revealed a linear relationship between concentration and the decomposition enthalpy of the compound. Both the detection limit and the sensitivity of the method are reported. Furthermore, it is shown that the detection limit is significantly less than the concentration of the compound known to be present in typical cellular polymer formulations. Therefore, the DSC method described herein could be used for the analysis and quality control of sodium bicarbonate in PVC cellular compounds.