An application of the self‐ignition method of polymers: Anti‐smoke additive induced glowing effect in the combustion of poly(vinylchloride)

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of anti‐smoke additives in poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) has been studied using self‐ignition methods. The self‐ignition reaction was followed thermally, visually and by gas—liquid chromatography of the gaseous phase around the sample. Particular emphasis was palced on the determination of the CO, CO2 and aromatic species. It is shown that ferrocence, among similar additives, considerably modifies the self‐ignition behaviour of PVC by inducing glowing phenomena of various kinds. In some cases this incandescence can lead to self‐ignition. From the analysis of carbon oxids and aromatic species as a function of time and temperature, it is possible to deduce that the anti‐smoke reaction is associated, at least partially, with reactions which lead to incandescence. These reactions transform the carbon into carbon oxides instead of producing, in the gaseous phase, molecules which on further condensation lead to aromatic species at the origin of the soot. In short, the anit‐smoke reaction appears to proceed mainly through a competing mechanism.