Evolution and kinetics of volatile organic compounds generated during low-temperature polymer degradation.
A method using direct flame ionization detector (FID) measurement was developed to study total volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during thermal degradation of polymers. This method was used to estimate organic emissions from different polymers, such as low-density polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and commingled postconsumer streams, such as recycled carpet residue and auto shredder residue (ASR). The effects of process parameters, such as temperature, heating rate, and residence time, were also studied. Significant VOC emissions were observed at normal processing temperatures, particularly from recycled polymers. Each polymer showed a distinct evolution pattern during its thermal degradation. The kinetics of VOC emissions were also studied using a nonisothermal technique. The kinetic parameters were in agreement with data from the literature.
Xiang
Qin
Q
Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Mitra
Somenath
S
Xanthos
Marino
M
Dey
Subir K
SK
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017745:Incineration; D007700:Kinetics; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D010969:Plastics / Q000737:chemistry*; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D013696:Temperature; D014835:Volatilization
D000393:Air Pollutants; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D010969:Plastics