Extension of Master Sintering Curve Theory to Organic Decomposition

Abstract

The ability to predict and control organic decomposition of a material under arbitrary thermal treatments is one of the main objectives of thermogravimetric studies. The development of this ability provides significant potential to ensure reliability and reproducibility for a given processing method and can be used in planning optimized thermal treatment strategies. Based on this report, the master sintering curve theory has been successfully extended to similar kinetically controlled phenomena. The theory has been applied to organic decomposition reaction kinetics to develop a master organic decomposition curve. The fundamental kinetics are assumed to be governed by an Arrhenius‐type reaction rate, making master sintering and decomposition curves analogous to one another. The formulation and construction of a master decomposition curve are given in this paper. Simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis of a low‐temperature co‐fire glass/ceramic dielectric tape (Dupont 951 Green TapeTM) is analyzed and used to demonstrate this new concept. The results reveal two independent organic decomposition reactions, the first occurring at ≈245°C and the second at ≈365°C. The analysis is used to produce a master decomposition curve and to calculate the activation energy for these reactions, at 86±6 and 142±4 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, the weight loss of product and the rate of decomposition can be predicted under varying thermal paths (time–temperature trajectories) following a minimal set of preliminary experiments.