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Author
Ramirez, M.
Title
Thermal Decomposition Mechanism of 2,2-Bis-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)1,1-Dichloroethylene-Based Polymers. Final Report.
Coporate
Federal Aviation Administration, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ
Sponsor
Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Report
DOT/FAA/AR-00/42
February 2001
70 p.
Distribution
AVAILABLE FROM National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000; Fax: 703-605-6900; Rush Service (Telephone Orders Only) 800-553-6847; Website: http://www.ntis.gov
Keywords
thermal decomposition | fire resistant materials | aircraft interiors | aircraft compartments | thermal analysis | infrared spectroscopy | gas analysis | pyrolysis | FT-IR | gas chromatography
Abstract
This work has been conducted as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) efforts to develop fire-resistant materials for commercial aircraft cabins. Polymers based on 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (bisphenol C, BPC) have thermal and physical properties of bisphenol-A polymers but have an order of magnitude of lower heat release in flaming combustion. This is due to a thermal degradation mechanism that yields only char and noncombustible gases in a fire. Two thermoplastics and one thermoset BPC-based polymer were studied to establish the decomposition mechanism of these materials. Thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry were used separately and in combination to characterize the thermal degradation mechanism. Results showed that the major volatiles are HCl and the degradation products of the linking group. The rearrangement through stilbenes and acetylenes is responsible for the high char yield when burned.