Accession Number:

AD0770767

Title:

Rapid Determination of Kinetic Parameters for the Thermal Degradation of High Polymers Utilizing a Computerized Thermogravimetric Analyzer-Mass Spectrometer System,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE MEDICAL RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO

Personal Author(s):

• Kleineberg,Gerd A.
• Geiger,David L.
• Gormley ,William T.

Report Date:

1973-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

20.0

Abstract:

A thermogravimetric analyzer and a mass spectrometer are operated in a tandem mode for mass spectrometric thermal analysis MTA of high polymers. During the course of an analysis, the weight loss of the sample under investigation is recorded with respect to increasing sample temperature by the thermogravimetric analyzer. Simultaneously, the evolved gaseous thermal decomposition products are introduced into the mass spectrometer which records mass spectra repetitively at scan speeds of the operators choice. The mass spectrometer is coupled to a computer for continuous on-line data acquisition. The rate of evolution for identified components as measured by the mass spectrometer and the total weight of volatilized products are used in the kinetic analysis of degradation reactions. A computer program has been developed for rapid calculations of order of reaction n and activation energy E. Modified author abstract

Descriptors:

• *Mass spectroscopy
• *Thermogravimetric analysis
• *Polymers
• Data processing
• Reaction kinetics
• Computer programming
• Data acquisition

Subject Categories:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics and Spectroscopy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE